Proverbs 19:20

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 19:20 offers profound wisdom on the path to a fulfilling future, emphasizing the importance of teachability and foresight. It calls the individual to actively engage with guidance and correction, promising that such diligence leads to lasting wisdom.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical wisdom for daily living, often presented as direct admonitions from a father to a son. It aims to instruct individuals in the art of living skillfully and righteously before God and man. This verse fits squarely within the book's overarching theme that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is cultivated through careful attention to instruction and discernment. It’s a call to embrace learning throughout one's life.

Key Themes

  • The Imperative of Listening and Learning: The verse highlights two critical actions: "Hear counsel" (etzah, advice, deliberation) and "receive instruction" (musar, discipline, moral teaching, correction). This isn't passive listening but an active embrace of guidance, even when it's challenging. It speaks to a humble and teachable spirit, essential for growth and avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance.
  • The Pursuit of Wisdom: The ultimate goal is to "be wise." Biblical wisdom (chokmah) is not merely intellectual knowledge but the practical ability to live according to God's principles, making sound judgments and navigating life successfully. It's about knowing how to act righteously and prudently in every situation.
  • Long-Term Perspective: The phrase "in thy latter end" (acharit) points to the future, whether it be one's older age, the culmination of one's life, or the ultimate outcome of one's choices. This proverb encourages a long-range view, where present diligence in learning directly impacts future well-being and success. It implies that wise choices made today, rooted in received counsel and instruction, yield lasting benefits and a more prosperous future.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "counsel," עֵצָה (etzah), refers to advice or deliberation, often implying thoughtful guidance from others. "Instruction," מוּסָר (musar), carries a broader meaning encompassing discipline, moral teaching, and correction, suggesting a willingness to be trained and corrected for one's own good. The phrase "latter end," אַחֲרִית (acharit), emphasizes the ultimate outcome or future consequence, underscoring the enduring impact of choices made in the present.

Practical Application

Proverbs 19:20 serves as a timeless reminder that true wisdom is not inherent but acquired. To apply this verse today:

  • Cultivate a Teachable Spirit: Be open to advice, even if it challenges your current thinking. Seek out mentors, spiritual leaders, and trusted friends who can offer sound counsel based on biblical principles. The Bible often contrasts the wise person who hears counsel with the fool who trusts in his own heart.
  • Actively Seek Instruction: Engage with God's Word, attend teachings, and learn from those who are further along in their journey of faith and life. This proactive pursuit of knowledge and understanding is crucial for spiritual and personal growth, equipping you for life's challenges.
  • Think Long-Term: Recognize that decisions made today have ripple effects into your future. Investing in wisdom now by listening and learning will yield benefits that compound over time, leading to a "latter end" characterized by peace, stability, and spiritual maturity. As Proverbs 4:7 declares, "Wisdom is the principal thing" to acquire for a successful life.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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