Proverbs 19:20
New International Version
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

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

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

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

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

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

New American Standard Bible
Listen to advice and accept discipline, So that you may be wise the rest of your days.

NASB 1995
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

NASB 1977
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

Legacy Standard Bible
Listen to counsel and receive discipline, That you may be wise in the end of your days.

Amplified Bible
Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come.

Christian Standard Bible
Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.

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

Contemporary English Version
Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.

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

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Listen to advice and accept discipline so that you may be wise the rest of your life.

Good News Translation
If you listen to advice and are willing to learn, one day you will be wise.

International Standard Version
Listen to advice and accept discipline, and you'll be wise for the rest of your life.

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

NET Bible
Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life.

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

Webster's Bible Translation
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

World English Bible
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Hear counsel and receive instruction, "" So that you are wise in your latter end.

Young's Literal Translation
Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.

Smith's Literal Translation
Hear counsel and receive instruction, so that thou shalt be wise in thy latter state.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayst be wise in thy latter end.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Listen to counsel and take up discipline, so that you may be wise in your latter days.

New American Bible
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise.

New Revised Standard Version
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Hear counsel and receive instruction that you may be wise in your ways.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Hear counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise in your ways.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Man of Integrity
19A man of great anger must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do so again. 20Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. 21Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.…

Cross References
Proverbs 12:15
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

Proverbs 15:22
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance.

Proverbs 13:10
Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel

Proverbs 9:9
Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.

Proverbs 22:17-19
Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge— / for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips. / So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.

Proverbs 8:33
Listen to instruction and be wise; do not ignore it.

Proverbs 4:1
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Proverbs 10:8
A wise heart will receive commandments, but foolish lips will come to ruin.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Hebrews 12:11
No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a harvest of righteousness and peace to those who have been trained by it.

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.


Treasury of Scripture

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

receive

Proverbs 1:8
My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Proverbs 2:1-9
My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; …

Proverbs 8:34,35
Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors…

be

Numbers 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!

Deuteronomy 8:16
Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;

Deuteronomy 32:29
O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

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Accept Advice Counsel Discipline Ear End Future Gain Hear Instruction Latter Mayest Open Receive Rest Suggestion Teaching Wisdom Wise
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Accept Advice Counsel Discipline Ear End Future Gain Hear Instruction Latter Mayest Open Receive Rest Suggestion Teaching Wisdom Wise
Proverbs 19
1. Life and Conduct














Listen to counsel
Listening to counsel is a recurring theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of seeking and heeding advice from those who are wise and experienced. In ancient Israel, elders and leaders often provided guidance, and their counsel was highly valued. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that wisdom is not innate but acquired through learning from others. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety," highlighting the protective and stabilizing role of wise counsel.

and accept discipline
Discipline in the biblical context often refers to correction and instruction aimed at moral and spiritual growth. The Hebrew word for discipline can also mean "instruction" or "chastening," suggesting a process of learning through correction. Hebrews 12:11 notes, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." This reflects the idea that accepting discipline is crucial for developing character and wisdom. In the cultural context of the Bible, discipline was seen as a sign of love and care, as a father disciplines the son he delights in (Proverbs 3:12).

that you may be wise
Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than knowledge; it is the application of knowledge in a way that is pleasing to God. The fear of the Lord is described as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), indicating that true wisdom is rooted in a relationship with God. The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, and it is portrayed as a treasure to be sought after diligently (Proverbs 2:4-5). Wisdom is personified in Proverbs as a woman calling out to those who lack understanding, inviting them to learn and grow.

the rest of your days
This phrase suggests a lifelong benefit to acquiring wisdom through counsel and discipline. The biblical worldview emphasizes the enduring value of wisdom, which guides one's decisions and actions throughout life. In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the conclusion of the matter is to "fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind," indicating that a life lived in wisdom is aligned with God's will. The promise of wisdom is not only for temporal success but also for eternal significance, as it aligns one's life with God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding.

2. Israel
- The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live according to His wisdom and laws.

3. The Wise
- A recurring theme in Proverbs, representing those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives.

4. The Fool
- Often contrasted with the wise, the fool in Proverbs is one who rejects wisdom and discipline.

5. The Path of Wisdom
- A metaphorical journey described throughout Proverbs, representing a life lived in accordance with God's guidance and instruction.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening
Listening is an active process that requires humility and openness to receive guidance and correction.

Accepting Discipline
Discipline is not merely punishment but a form of training that shapes character and leads to maturity.

The Pursuit of Lifelong Wisdom
Wisdom is not a one-time achievement but a lifelong pursuit that requires continual learning and growth.

The Role of Community in Wisdom
Seeking counsel implies the presence of a community or mentors who can provide guidance and support.

The Consequences of Ignoring Counsel
Ignoring wise counsel can lead to folly and negative consequences, as seen throughout the book of Proverbs.(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)

Verse 20. - (Comp. Proverbs 8:10; Proverbs 12:15.) The Septuagint directs the maxim to children, "Hear, O son, the instruction of thy father." That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. Wisdom gathered and digested in youth is seen in the prudence and intelligence of manhood and old age. Job 8:7, "Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase." Ecclesiastes 25:6, "O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour! Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory." "Wer nicht horen will," say the Germans, "muss fuhlen," "He that will not hear must feel." Among Pythagoras's golden words we read -

Βουλεύου δὲ πρὸ ἔργου ὅπως μὴ μῶρα τέληται.

"Before thou doest aught, deliberate,
Lest folly thee befall."


Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Listen
שְׁמַ֣ע (šə·ma‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to counsel
עֵ֭צָה (‘ê·ṣāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6098: Advice, plan, prudence

and accept
וְקַבֵּ֣ל (wə·qab·bêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6901: To receive, take

discipline,
מוּסָ֑ר (mū·sār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

that
לְ֝מַ֗עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

you may be wise
תֶּחְכַּ֥ם (teḥ·kam)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2449: To be wise

the rest of your days.
בְּאַחֲרִיתֶֽךָ׃ (bə·’a·ḥă·rî·ṯe·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 319: The last, end, the future, posterity


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction that (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 19:19
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