Wise Counsel

 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.
Proverbs 20:18

I have often overlooked this verse since I assumed it was only applicable during war. However, after actually reading the verse, I finally recognized the first part is the key part: Every purpose. Not just war, but shopping, working, eating, everything.
The second portion of the first part is just as important – by counsel. Do you discuss your decisions or make impromptu decisions? The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful wife who is patient to listen to my plans over and over. The benefit for me is that often times her advice improves the decision process.
We need to ensure that we research and discuss our decisions with effort proportional to the magnitude of the decision. While we should not belabor the decision of what to eat for dinner for a week, we should put much research, prayer and discussion into purchasing a new home.
With the proper purpose, prayer and discussion, make your decision and attack! You will be confident of the outcome.