Proverbs 15:22
"Without counsel, plans go wrong, but with many advisers they succeed." - Proverbs 15:22
I like this verse because I think it is very important to seek the advice of others. To hear others' opinions is vital because it provides us with a different perspective, an outside viewpoint on whatever the situation is.
When I read this verse, though, something I've recently been learning about in my philosophy class came to mind - existentialism. Existentialism says that existence precedes essence. Assuming there is no God, this means that man existed before there was ever a concept of man. The idea that God has a plan for our life is not applicable here. Therefore, man defines himself. Every action we take is a statement of morality. If we choose to do something we are thus saying that we believe it to be good. And, it goes even further than this - we are not only declaring it morally right for ourselves but also for all of humanity. Sartre (an existentialist philosopher) sometimes described man as being "condemned to freedom" because there's so much responsibility that comes with our decisions.
It is interesting to consider Proverbs 15:22 in light of existentialism. Say I have a tough decision I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go on to grad school. I decide it is a good idea to seek advice as to this decision. You might initially think that in seeking counsel I would be opening myself up to others' opinions. Yet, the fact remains that we choose who we seek counsel from. If I choose to talk with a graduate professor about my dilemma, an existentialist would argue that I have already made my decision. Knowing that this graduate professor will encourage me to attend grad school and choosing to seek advice from him/her will only affirm the decision I'm intending to make.
It is important to seek advice from people from multiple perspectives and worldviews, so that you understand the pros and cons of your decision fully and completely.
I like this verse because I think it is very important to seek the advice of others. To hear others' opinions is vital because it provides us with a different perspective, an outside viewpoint on whatever the situation is.
When I read this verse, though, something I've recently been learning about in my philosophy class came to mind - existentialism. Existentialism says that existence precedes essence. Assuming there is no God, this means that man existed before there was ever a concept of man. The idea that God has a plan for our life is not applicable here. Therefore, man defines himself. Every action we take is a statement of morality. If we choose to do something we are thus saying that we believe it to be good. And, it goes even further than this - we are not only declaring it morally right for ourselves but also for all of humanity. Sartre (an existentialist philosopher) sometimes described man as being "condemned to freedom" because there's so much responsibility that comes with our decisions.
It is interesting to consider Proverbs 15:22 in light of existentialism. Say I have a tough decision I'm trying to decide whether or not I should go on to grad school. I decide it is a good idea to seek advice as to this decision. You might initially think that in seeking counsel I would be opening myself up to others' opinions. Yet, the fact remains that we choose who we seek counsel from. If I choose to talk with a graduate professor about my dilemma, an existentialist would argue that I have already made my decision. Knowing that this graduate professor will encourage me to attend grad school and choosing to seek advice from him/her will only affirm the decision I'm intending to make.
It is important to seek advice from people from multiple perspectives and worldviews, so that you understand the pros and cons of your decision fully and completely.
posted by jcw at
11:01 PM
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