Who’s Your Tonto?

(Proverbs 20:5 KJV)  Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.

The NASB has “plan” (6098).  The KJV uses “counsel” which is by far the most common way the Hebrew word is translated in both translations.  The only problem with using “plan” is that it could be understood as something you do by yourself.  The Hebrew has the idea of consulting or getting advice.  In Proverbs the word often refers to the counsel of God or wisdom.

If you have a plan hidden away in your “heart” (3820) then the idea here is that it needs to be drawn out so that it can be examined by others.  At least it should be compared to the word of God.  Often we have plans or dreams that are totally centered in our selves and ignore the obvious standards and expectations of God.  Those are humorous and embarrassing at best, dangerous and destructive at worst.

So?  We need to plan.  We also need to seek counsel.  This is a role of the family and the body of Christ.  Remember that even the Lone Ranger had Tonto.