Menu

Proverbs 19:20

Proverbs 19:20 in Multiple Translations

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.

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

Let your ear be open to suggestion and take teaching, so that at the end you may be wise.

Listen to advice and accept instruction so that you'll eventually become wise.

Heare counsell and receiue instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter ende.

Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.

Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

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

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

Pay attention when people give you good advice and learn from them, in order that you will become wise for the rest of your life.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 19:20

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Proverbs 19:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB שְׁמַ֣ע עֵ֭צָה וְ/קַבֵּ֣ל מוּסָ֑ר לְ֝מַ֗עַן תֶּחְכַּ֥ם בְּ/אַחֲרִיתֶֽ/ךָ
שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms
עֵ֭צָה ʻêtsâh H6098 counsel N-fs
וְ/קַבֵּ֣ל qâbal H6901 to receive Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
מוּסָ֑ר mûwçâr H4148 discipline N-ms
לְ֝מַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
תֶּחְכַּ֥ם châkam H2449 be wise V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
בְּ/אַחֲרִיתֶֽ/ךָ ʼachărîyth H319 end Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 19:20

שְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
עֵ֭צָה ʻêtsâh H6098 "counsel" N-fs
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/קַבֵּ֣ל qâbal H6901 "to receive" Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This Hebrew verb means to receive or take something, often used to describe accepting a gift or responsibility. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to choose or accept something.
Definition: 1) to take, receive, be before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to take, choose, receive 1a2) to accept 1a3) to accept, assume 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show oppositeness 1b2) to correspond, receive one to the other Aramaic equivalent: qe.val (קַבֵּל "to receive" H6902)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-) take. See also: Exodus 26:5; Ezra 8:30; Proverbs 19:20.
מוּסָ֑ר mûwçâr H4148 "discipline" N-ms
This Hebrew term means discipline or correction, often used to describe God's guidance. In Psalm 50:17, it warns against rejecting God's discipline, while in Proverbs 1:7, it emphasizes the importance of discipline in gaining wisdom. It involves learning from mistakes.
Definition: : discipline/punishment 1) discipline, chastening, correction 1a) discipline, correction 1b) chastening
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. See also: Deuteronomy 11:2; Proverbs 15:10; Psalms 50:17.
לְ֝מַ֗עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תֶּחְכַּ֥ם châkam H2449 "be wise" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
בְּ/אַחֲרִיתֶֽ/ךָ ʼachărîyth H319 "end" Prep | N-fs | Suff
End refers to the last or final part of something, including time or events. It can also mean the future or what comes after. In the Bible, it is often used to describe the latter time or posterity.
Definition: 1) after part, end 1a) end, issue, event 1b) latter time (prophetic for future time) 1c) posterity 1d) last, hindermost Aramaic equivalent: a.cha.rit (אַחֲרִית "latter" H0320)
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: (last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most, length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward. See also: Genesis 49:1; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Psalms 37:37.

Study Notes — Proverbs 19:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.
2 Proverbs 8:34–35 Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. For whoever finds me finds life and obtains the favor of the LORD.
3 Proverbs 2:1–9 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity, to guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His saints. Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity—every good path.
4 Proverbs 4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
5 Proverbs 1:8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.
6 Luke 16:19–23 Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.
7 Numbers 23:10 Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even a fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous; let my end be like theirs!”
8 Psalms 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with Your loving devotion, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
9 Psalms 37:37 Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace.
10 Deuteronomy 8:16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers had not known, in order to humble you and test you, so that in the end He might cause you to prosper.

Proverbs 19:20 Summary

[This verse is telling us that if we want to be wise, we need to listen to good advice and be willing to learn from our mistakes, as also taught in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10. It's like when a parent corrects a child - it might not be fun, but it helps the child grow up to be smart and make good choices. By listening to counsel and accepting discipline, we can become wiser and make better decisions for the rest of our lives, as encouraged in Proverbs 4:13 and Deuteronomy 29:9. This is a lifelong process that requires humility and a willingness to learn from others and from God's Word, such as in Psalm 119:105.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the relationship between listening to counsel and becoming wise?

According to Proverbs 19:20, listening to counsel and accepting discipline are essential steps towards gaining wisdom, as also emphasized in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 9:10.

How does discipline contribute to wisdom?

Discipline helps to refine and instruct us, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12, where the Lord's discipline is compared to a father's loving correction, leading to wisdom and understanding.

Is it important to listen to counsel from anyone, or are there specific sources we should seek out?

While Proverbs 19:20 does not specify particular sources, other verses like Proverbs 12:26 and Proverbs 27:9 suggest that we should seek counsel from righteous and wise individuals, as well as from God's Word, such as in Psalm 119:105.

What is the significance of being wise 'the rest of your days'?

The phrase 'the rest of your days' implies a lifelong commitment to wisdom, as also encouraged in Proverbs 4:13 and Deuteronomy 29:9, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and continued growth in wisdom throughout one's life.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to listen to counsel and accept discipline in order to grow in wisdom?
  2. How can I differentiate between wise counsel and unwise or misleading advice, as warned against in Proverbs 12:5 and Proverbs 14:15?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of listening to counsel and accepting discipline to my relationships, such as with family, friends, or a mentor, as seen in Proverbs 27:17?
  4. What role does humility play in my ability to listen to counsel and accept discipline, as taught in Proverbs 22:4 and 1 Peter 5:6?
  5. How can I balance the need for wisdom and guidance with the temptation to rely solely on my own understanding, as warned against in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Proverbs 28:26?

Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 19:20

Hear counsel, and receive instruction,.... Of parents, masters, and ministers; especially the counsel and instruction of Wisdom, of Jesus Christ, the Wisdom of God, the wonderful Counsellor; and of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 19:20

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 19:20

Before thy death come; which he adds not exclusively, as if he ought not to be wish before, but emphatically, to show that how foolishly soever he had spent his former and younger years, it highly concerned him to be wise before it was too late, or before death came.

Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 19:20

Proverbs 19:20 Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.Ver. 20. Hear counsel, and receive instruction.] Or, Correction. Here he directs his speech to the younger sort, and exhorts them. (1.) To hear counsel, that is, to keep the commandment, as Proverbs 19:16 : (2.) To receive correction of parents, as Proverbs 19:18, as the only way to sound and lasting wisdom: for Vexatio dat intellectum; Piscator ictus sapit; Quae nocent docent. Or Solomon may here bring in the father, thus lessoning his untoward child, whom he hath lashed. For to correct, and not to instruct, is to snuff the lamp, but not pour in oil to feed it.

Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 19:20

(20) That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.—That “though thy beginning might be small, yet that thy latter end should greatly increase” (Job 8:7)

Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 19:20

20. In thy latter end — Thy hereafter, which may mean in the after-part of this life, or in the future life. The interpreters generally favour the sense, in thy after years.

Sermons on Proverbs 19:20

SermonDescription
Michael L. Brown Acharit: The Final End by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker shares a harrowing story of a man who falls into temptation and suffers severe consequences. The man is lured by a beautiful woman but is then ambushed
Richard Wurmbrand 1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of li
Shane Idleman Hearing His Voice Through Others by Shane Idleman This sermon emphasizes the importance of heeding God's voice and applying His word to our lives. It highlights the dangers of ignoring God's voice, leading to various societal issu
Michael L. Brown Considering Your Latter End by Michael L. Brown In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a tragic story of a 15-year-old girl who ran away from home and ended up becoming a prostitute. He emphasizes the gradual descent into
Michael L. Brown The End (Acharyth) by Michael L. Brown Michael L. Brown emphasizes the importance of recognizing the 'Acharit' or the end consequences of our actions, urging believers to remain vigilant against sin and temptation. He s
Derek Prince The Right Reaction to Correction by Derek Prince Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger an
K.P. Yohannan Zeal With Wisdom by K.P. Yohannan K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of balancing zeal with wisdom, drawing parallels from the lives of Paul, Peter, and Jesus, who were passionate in their pursuits yet demonst

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate