Proverbs 19:20 kjv

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

Proverbs 19:20 nkjv

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.

Proverbs 19:20 niv

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Proverbs 19:20 esv

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 19:20 nlt

Get all the advice and instruction you can,
so you will be wise the rest of your life.

Proverbs 19 verses

Proverbs 19 20 Meaning

Proverbs 19:20 teaches that active and humble receptiveness to sound advice and discipline is the path to acquiring lasting wisdom for one's future. It underscores that true understanding and discernment are not spontaneous but are cultivated through a conscious effort to absorb guidance and correction from those who possess wisdom. This intentional embrace of instruction prepares an individual for navigating life's complexities and secures a favorable long-term outcome.

Proverbs 19 20 Context

Proverbs 19 is part of the instructional section of the book, largely consisting of two-line sayings contrasting righteous and wicked, wise and foolish paths. The immediate context of verse 20 contributes to this thematic flow: verse 19 describes the severity of dealing with anger, highlighting that one must rescue such a person repeatedly if they are to learn. Following verse 20, verse 21 contrasts human plans with the Lord's enduring purpose, reinforcing that true wisdom aligns with divine will. Within this chapter, practical life principles for conduct, character, and success are emphasized, often linking actions to their eventual consequences. The book of Proverbs as a whole serves as a manual for living a life that honors God and flourishes. It promotes discerning what is good and avoiding what is destructive, ultimately leading to shalom—wholeness and peace—by adhering to the fear of the Lord as the foundation of all true knowledge and understanding. The call to "listen" echoes throughout wisdom literature, stressing the reception of a divine framework for life.

Proverbs 19 20 Word analysis

• "Listen" (שְׁמַע, shəma): This Hebrew verb signifies much more than merely hearing sound. It denotes active attention, comprehension, and often, the intention to obey or respond. In a biblical context, it frequently carries the weight of "heeding" or "obeying" what is heard, implying submission to authority.
• "to counsel" (עֵצָה, ʿeṣah): This noun refers to advice, guidance, or a plan. It suggests considered wisdom, strategic guidance, or well-thought-out direction. In the broader biblical narrative, the ultimate "counsel" belongs to God Himself (Isa 28:29, Isa 46:10). The verse therefore points to accepting divinely aligned or divinely inspired advice.
• "and accept" (וְקַבֵּל, wəqabbel): This verb means to receive, take, or appropriate. It indicates an active embrace and internalizing of what is offered, moving beyond passive hearing to volitional acceptance and application. It is about making the counsel one's own.
• "instruction" (מוּסָר, musar): This key term encapsulates discipline, training, correction, and even chastisement. It points to the sometimes difficult process of character formation and moral teaching that aims to guide behavior and instill virtuous habits. Musar is typically from a parental figure, a wise elder, or ultimately, God.
• "that you may gain wisdom" (תֶחְכָּם, teḥkām): The verb implies "become wise," "act wisely," or "show oneself to be wise." It indicates a progressive process of growth in understanding, discernment, and practical living skills. It's not a static state but an ongoing acquisition and application of true knowledge.
• "in the future" (לְאַחֲרִיתְךָ, ləʾaḥărîtka): Literally, "for your end" or "for your latter end." This term speaks to one's ultimate destiny, outcome, or the cumulative results of one's life choices. It emphasizes the long-term, lasting benefits of current decisions to heed wise instruction. It pertains to a positive, prosperous, or fulfilled culmination of life, both in this world and spiritually.

Proverbs 19 20 Bonus section

The underlying theology of this verse, consistent with Proverbs, suggests that true wisdom originates with God (Prv 2:6, Prv 9:10). Therefore, the "counsel" and "instruction" referred to are ultimately those that align with divine truth and moral order. To "listen" and "accept" is not merely about human pragmatism but about aligning oneself with the Creator's design for human flourishing. This posture of receptivity and submission is a mark of humility, recognizing one's own limitations and the superior knowledge of another, ultimately leading to reverence for the Lord. The concept of musar (instruction/discipline) is often depicted as parental training (Prv 3:11-12), linking the human experience of receiving discipline to the divine pedagogy of God toward His children, as seen later elaborated in the New Testament (Heb 12:5-11). The wisdom promised is holistic, impacting one's character, decisions, and overall life path.

Proverbs 19 20 Commentary

Proverbs 19:20 presents a clear pathway to wisdom, demanding an active and humble posture. It calls for individuals to listen with a heart ready to obey, to accept the guidance, and to internalize the often challenging instruction (discipline). This active engagement contrasts sharply with the fool's rejection of advice and correction, which inevitably leads to ruin. The emphasis is on foresight; the wisdom gained through this process is not merely for the present moment but profoundly impacts "the future." This "future" encompasses the entirety of one's life's trajectory, promising a favorable outcome or a blessed destiny. The verse implies that wisdom is not a natural inheritance but a cultivated attribute, requiring submission to external authoritative teaching, often including correction. By embracing counsel and discipline, one positions themselves for spiritual and practical maturity, avoiding pitfalls and building a life founded on discernment and divine principles.

For instance, a young person consistently taking guidance from mentors, or a believer humbly receiving challenging truth from God's Word even when it hurts, exemplify this principle. Such practices lead to a character refined and prepared for whatever life holds.