Proverbs 19:20
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hear
H8085
שְׁמַ֣ע
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 7
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְקַבֵּ֣ל
and receive
H6901
וְקַבֵּ֣ל
and receive
Strong's:
H6901
Word #:
3 of 7
to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
H4148
מוּסָ֑ר
instruction
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
H4616
לְ֝מַ֗עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
Cross References
Proverbs 12:15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:Proverbs 4:1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.Psalms 37:37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.Numbers 23:10Who 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!Psalms 90:14O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.Psalms 90:12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.Deuteronomy 8:16Who 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 32:29O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!
Historical Context
Ancient education prepared youth for adult responsibilities through submission to teachers' instruction. The long-term perspective was essential in societies where aging meant increased wisdom and authority.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you receive counsel that prepares you for future challenges?
- What advice have you neglected that would benefit your 'latter end'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Hearing counsel and receiving instruction positions one for future wisdom. Youth should heed advice to gain understanding for later years. The eschatological perspective ('latter end') shows wisdom's long-term benefits—choices today shape who we become tomorrow.