Proverbs 19:20

KJV

¶ Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} counsel {H6098}, and receive {H6901} instruction {H4148}, that thou mayest be wise {H2449} in thy latter end {H319}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen to advice, and accept discipline, so that in the end you will be wise.

Berean Standard Bible

Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.

American Standard Version

Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 19:20 offers a profound call to intentional living, emphasizing that a commitment to actively seeking and embracing both wise counsel and corrective instruction is the pathway to true wisdom and flourishing in one's future. It underscores the vital connection between present teachability and future well-being, portraying wisdom not as an innate trait but as a cultivated disposition that yields lasting benefits over the course of one's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 19:20 is situated within the "Solomonic collections" (Proverbs 10:1-22:16), a section characterized by short, pithy sayings that often contrast the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. This particular verse functions as a direct exhortation, typical of the book's didactic style, which aims to impart practical wisdom for daily living. It reinforces the overarching theme that wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but the skill of living righteously and prudently in all circumstances. The call to "hear counsel" and "receive instruction" is a recurring motif throughout Proverbs, highlighting the importance of teachability as a foundational virtue, as seen in the very purpose of the book to know [wisdom and instruction](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2 - Purpose of Proverbs").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom was highly valued and often transmitted through oral tradition, from elders and sages to younger generations, particularly within the family unit. The "father-to-son" framework prevalent in Proverbs reflects this pedagogical approach. Counsel (`'etsâh`) would come from respected figures, community leaders, or parents, while instruction (`mûwçâr`) often involved discipline, correction, and moral training necessary for integration into a righteous community. Society placed a high premium on communal wisdom and the guidance of those with experience, recognizing that individual flourishing was deeply intertwined with adherence to established, divinely-revealed principles. This verse thus speaks to a culture where learning was a lifelong pursuit, deeply embedded in social and familial structures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates three interconnected themes central to the book of Proverbs. First, it emphasizes the **imperative of teachability and humility**. True wisdom begins with a willingness to listen and submit to guidance, even when it involves correction. This stands in stark contrast to the fool, who [despises wisdom and instruction](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord") and trusts in their own heart ([Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool")). Second, it highlights the **transformative power of instruction**. "Instruction" (mûwçâr) encompasses not just intellectual learning but also moral discipline and character formation. It is through this process that one is shaped into a wise individual capable of discerning right from wrong and making sound decisions. Finally, the verse introduces the theme of **long-term consequence and foresight**. The pursuit of wisdom is not for immediate gratification but for a "latter end" that is characterized by stability, success, and well-being. This future-oriented perspective encourages diligence and patience in the pursuit of wisdom, knowing that present choices have lasting implications for one's destiny ([Proverbs 23:18](/proverbs/23-18 "Proverbs 23:18 - Hope for Your Future")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This primitive root signifies more than mere auditory perception; it implies intelligent hearing, often with the strong implication of attention, comprehension, and especially obedience. To "hear counsel" is to listen carefully, consider thoughtfully, and be prepared to act upon the advice received. It denotes a receptive and submissive posture towards truth and wisdom.
* **Instruction (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to chasten" or "to discipline," _mûwçâr_ refers to chastisement, reproof, warning, or moral instruction. It encompasses the entire process of training and discipline necessary for character formation. Receiving instruction means embracing correction, allowing oneself to be guided and shaped, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging, for the purpose of personal growth and moral uprightness.
* **Latter end (Hebrew, _ʼachărîyth'_):** This term denotes the last part, the end, or the future. It can refer to one's final days, the outcome of one's life, or the ultimate consequence of one's actions and choices. The phrase "in thy latter end" emphasizes the long-term, enduring benefit of present wisdom. It suggests that the diligent pursuit of counsel and instruction does not merely offer temporary advantages but shapes one's destiny, leading to a favorable and wise conclusion to one's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear counsel":** This opening imperative calls for an active, engaged listening to advice and guidance. It implies a humble disposition, a recognition that one does not possess all wisdom, and a willingness to seek out and attend to the insights of others, particularly those who are wise and experienced.
* **"and receive instruction":** This second imperative complements the first, moving beyond mere listening to an embrace of discipline and moral teaching. "Receiving" implies not just intellectual assent but an internalization and application of the instruction, allowing it to shape one's character, choices, and conduct. It suggests a readiness to be corrected and trained.
* **"that thou mayest be wise":** This clause states the purpose and intended outcome of hearing counsel and receiving instruction. The goal is to attain _chokmah_ (wisdom), which in the biblical sense is not just knowledge but the practical skill of living righteously and successfully in accordance with God's will. It is the ability to make sound judgments and navigate life's complexities with prudence.
* **"in thy latter end":** This final phrase specifies the temporal scope of the promised wisdom. The benefits of teachability are not confined to the immediate present but extend into the future, impacting one's ultimate destiny, the culmination of one's life, or the long-term consequences of one's choices. It emphasizes that wisdom acquired through diligence yields enduring peace, stability, and flourishing.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 19:20 employs several key literary devices. It primarily uses **Synthetic Parallelism**, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. "Hear counsel" and "receive instruction" are two distinct but complementary actions that lead to the singular outcome of becoming "wise in thy latter end." The verse also functions as an **Exhortation**, a direct command or strong encouragement to the reader, characteristic of the didactic nature of wisdom literature. Furthermore, there is an implied **Cause and Effect** relationship: the cause is the active engagement with counsel and instruction, and the effect is the attainment of wisdom that benefits one's future. The entire verse serves as a **Didactic Maxim**, a concise statement of practical truth intended to teach a moral lesson.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 19:20 deeply resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the value of wisdom, the necessity of discipleship, and the long-term consequences of one's choices. The call to "hear counsel" and "receive instruction" reflects God's consistent invitation to humanity to walk in His ways, which are paths of wisdom. Throughout Scripture, God's Word itself is presented as the ultimate counsel and instruction, guiding believers into righteousness and life. The "latter end" speaks to the eschatological hope and the ultimate destiny shaped by one's responsiveness to divine wisdom. It reminds us that our present obedience and teachability have eternal ramifications, preparing us for a future that is either blessed by God's presence or marred by the consequences of folly. This verse underscores the divine design that human flourishing is inextricably linked to a humble, teachable spirit that embraces truth and correction.

* [Deuteronomy 32:29](/deuteronomy/32-29 "Deuteronomy 32:29 - Consider Their Latter End")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")
* [Hebrews 12:11](/hebrews/12-11 "Hebrews 12:11 - Discipline for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 19:20 is a timeless beacon, calling us to cultivate a posture of lifelong learning and humility. In a world that often celebrates self-sufficiency and immediate gratification, this proverb redirects our focus to the enduring value of teachability and foresight. To truly "hear counsel" means to actively seek out wise voices in our lives—mentors, spiritual leaders, trusted friends, and above all, the living Word of God. It means setting aside pride and defensiveness, opening our hearts to perspectives that might challenge our comfort zones. To "receive instruction" implies a willingness to embrace discipline, correction, and even painful truths that refine our character. This is not passive absorption but an active engagement that transforms our thinking and behavior. The promise of being "wise in thy latter end" encourages a long-term perspective, reminding us that the diligent investments we make in wisdom today will yield a harvest of peace, stability, and spiritual maturity in the years to come, shaping our legacy and our ultimate destiny.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most resistant to counsel or instruction, and why?**
* **Who are the "wise counselors" in your life, and how intentionally do you seek their input?**
* **How does your daily engagement with Scripture function as "receiving instruction" for your life?**
* **What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate a more teachable spirit?**
* **How does thinking about your "latter end" motivate your pursuit of wisdom today?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "counsel" and "instruction" is Proverbs 19:20 referring to?**

Answer: The "counsel" (`'etsâh`) refers to advice, deliberation, and guidance, particularly from those who possess wisdom and experience, often rooted in God's truth. It implies thoughtful, well-considered guidance. The "instruction" (`mûwçâr`) is broader, encompassing discipline, moral teaching, correction, and training. It's the formative process that shapes character and behavior. In the context of Proverbs, both are primarily understood as divine wisdom communicated through various channels—parents, sages, community elders, and ultimately, God's own revelation in His Word. The book of Proverbs itself is a prime example of this kind of instruction, designed to impart [wisdom and discipline](/proverbs/1-2 "Proverbs 1:2 - Purpose of Proverbs").

**Does "latter end" only refer to old age or the end of one's life?**

Answer: While "latter end" (`'achărîyth`) can certainly refer to old age or the very end of one's physical life, its meaning in Proverbs is often more expansive. It signifies the ultimate outcome, consequence, or future destiny resulting from one's choices and actions throughout life. It points to the long-term benefit and flourishing that wise living brings, encompassing not just longevity but also prosperity, peace, and spiritual well-being. For instance, [Proverbs 23:18](/proverbs/23-18 "Proverbs 23:18 - Hope for Your Future") speaks of a "latter end" of hope for the righteous. It emphasizes that present diligence in seeking wisdom has enduring, compounding effects on one's entire future trajectory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 19:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of [wisdom and knowledge](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")" (Colossians 2:3). While Old Testament wisdom literature calls us to "hear counsel and receive instruction," Christ is the perfect Counselor and the source of all true instruction. His teachings, as recorded in the Gospels, are the ultimate counsel for living a life pleasing to God, providing the blueprint for a kingdom life that leads to enduring stability, as seen in the parable of the [wise and foolish builders](/matthew/7-24 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders"). To "hear counsel" today is preeminently to listen to the voice of Christ, who declared, "[My sheep hear my voice](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"), and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27). To "receive instruction" is to submit to His Lordship and allow the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, to guide us into all truth and conviction ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth")). The "latter end" promised in Proverbs, a life of wisdom and flourishing, is fully realized in Christ through the promise of eternal life and abundant life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")). Through faith in Him, we are not merely made wise for earthly success, but we are granted true spiritual wisdom, leading to a glorious and eternal "latter end" in God's presence, for Christ himself "became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ, Our Wisdom")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 12:15

¶ The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel [is] wise.

Proverbs 8:34

Blessed [is] the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

Proverbs 8:35

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

Proverbs 2:1

¶ My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

Proverbs 2:9

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; [yea], every good path.

Proverbs 1:8

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 4:1

¶ Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.