Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not first sit down and consult whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?
And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Do not let him who girds on boast himself like the one who loosens his armor.
Lay your hand on him, think of the battle; you will never do it again.
Purposes are established by counsel; and with good advice make war.
Do not go forth quickly to fight, lest you know not what to do in the end of it, when your neighbor has put you to shame.
saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.
Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace.