Well goes the CASE where wisdom counsels

Meaning & Analysis

A situation, or 'case', proceeds successfully and turns out for the best when it is guided by wise advice and sound judgment.

Insights

Prudence in Governance

The proverb is a metaphor for good governance, suggesting that any organization—from a household to a nation—thrives when its leaders act with prudence and heed intelligent advice.

Success Through Deliberation

It implies that success in any venture is not a product of luck, but the direct result of careful thought, deliberation, and rational decision-making. Wisdom is presented as the essential ingredient for a positive outcome.

The Active Force of Wisdom

It highlights the intrinsic value of expertise and sound judgment. 'Wisdom' acts as a guiding force that actively steers a 'case' away from peril and towards a favorable resolution.

Enlightenment Ideals

This proverb reflects Enlightenment-era values, where reason and wisdom were championed as the primary instruments for achieving positive outcomes in personal, legal, and political affairs. It suggests a world governed by rational order rather than fate.

Legal and Political Resonance

The proverb resonates with classical philosophical traditions, particularly Platonic ideals where the wisest should rule. The terms 'case' and 'counsels' evoke legal and political settings, underscoring that justice and good governance are direct results of wise deliberation.

Psychology of Agency

Psychologically, the proverb promotes an internal locus of control, suggesting that favorable outcomes are not accidental but are achieved through deliberate, thoughtful action. It empowers the individual or group to shape their own success by applying reason.

Rhetorical Devices

Personification

The abstract concept of 'wisdom' is given the human ability to 'counsel', making it an active, guiding force within the proverb's logic.

Balanced Phrasing

The proverb is structured as a clear cause-and-effect statement, creating a balanced and logical argument that is both persuasive and easy to remember.

Alliteration and Consonance

The consonance of the 'k' sound in 'case' and 'counsels' and the alliteration of 'w' in 'well' and 'wisdom' create a rhythmic quality that enhances its memorability.

wisdomprudencesuccessgovernancecounselreason

Analyzed with gemini-2.5-pro on July 20, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

— 1659, HOW., Eng. Prov., p. 13.

(case when wisdom counsels)

— 1730, BAILEY, s.v. Wisdom

Related Proverbs

C685 Good COUNSEL lightly never comes too late 96.0%N114 Better learn from your NEIGHBOR's scathe¹ than your own 96.0%L160 They favor LEARNING whose actions are worthy of a learned pen 96.0%H509 There is no more HOLD of a new friend than of a new fashion 95.7%D200 He that demands misses not unless his DEMANDS be foolish 95.7%C339 He that has CHILDREN, all his morsels are not his own 95.6%C538 To it again, nobody COMES 95.5%K170 He that would KNOW what shall be must consider what has been 95.5%C728 In COURTS are cares 95.4%D419 That which is easily DONE is soon believed 95.4%V39 Old VESSELS must leak 95.3%D102 They take a long DAY that never pay 95.3%M595 When all MEN have what belongs to them it cannot be much 95.3%W268 Never be weary of WELL-DOING 95.3%W424 A little WIND kindles, much puts out the fire 95.2%D414 He that DOES what he will does not what he ought 95.2%C695 Neither COUNSEL nor salt is presented unless demanded 95.2%A185 He that believes ALL misses, he that believes nothing hits not 95.1%E221 EXPERIENCE is the mother of wisdom (knowledge) 95.1%

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