World War I (1914-1918) resulted in over 37 million casualties, including 17 million deaths. Of course, it also became the seed of World War II. The war could have been avoided if wise counsel had been heeded. The German Ambassador to Britain at the time, Prince Lichnowsky, had advised Kaiser Wilhelm II against going to war with Britain. The Prince failed to listen, and the entire world was soon plunged into conflict. More recently, the Iraq War (2003-2011) provided another case of a war that should never have been. The Secretary of State, General Colin Powell, cautioned President George W. Bush about the possible consequences of invading Iraq. Discarding that advice led to the loss of over 175,000 lives, widespread instability and sectarian violence.

It makes sense, too, to say that by counsel you shall avoid certain wars or troubles…God will hardly leave us to take a wrong cause of action without warnings.

Proverbs 24:6 says, “For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.” It makes sense, too, to say that by counsel you shall avoid certain wars or troubles. The plague that consumed men and livestock in Israel was avoidable. It was God’s way of punishing Israel for the sin of David when he numbered the people. Joab warned him against it, but he went contrary to reason. God will hardly leave us to take a wrong cause of action without warnings. The warnings may not come through acceptable individuals or sources. So it is our responsibility to discern the voice of God through those He sends to us.