Proverbs 19:20 — Word Study
WLCשְׁמַ֣ע עֵ֭צָה וְקַבֵּ֣ל מוּסָ֑ר לְ֝מַ֗עַן תֶּחְכַּ֥ם בְּאַחֲרִיתֶֽךָ׃
BSAListenshâmaʻ [hear and obey, pay attention] to counselʻêtsâh [advice, guidance] and acceptqâbal [receive, take to heart] disciplinemûwçâr [correction, training] thatmaʻan you may be wisechâkam▸ [have good judgment, act intelligently] the rest of your daysʼachărîyth [in your latter end, for the rest of your life]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| שְׁמַ֣ע | listen to | Verb, Qal, imperative second person masculine singular |
| עֵ֭צָה | counsel | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
| וְקַבֵּ֣ל | and accept | Conjunction, verb piel imperative second person masculine singular |
| מוּסָ֑ר | correction | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לְ֝מַ֗עַן | so that | Particle |
| תֶּחְכַּ֥ם | you may become wise | Verb, Qal, jussive second person masculine singular |
| בְּאַחֲרִיתֶֽךָ׃ | in end your | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. |
| KJV | Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. |
| ASV | Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. |
| YLT | Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end. |
| WEB | Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. |
| BBE | Let your ear be open to suggestion and take teaching, so that at the end you may be wise. |
Where they part company is מוּסָר — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause leads with a command, followed by a purpose clause that explains the outcome of the actions.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁמַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Proverbs 19:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Wisdom in Guidancegenerated
Proverbs 19:20 emphasizes the importance of listening to wise counsel and accepting discipline. This guidance is intended to help individuals make wise decisions throughout their lives. The surrounding verses highlight the consequences of anger and the value of the LORD's purpose over human plans, reinforcing the need for wisdom in decision-making.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:8 | Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:1–9 | My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:34–35 | Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at the posts of my doorway. |
| 4 | 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!” |
| 5 | 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — שְׁמַע, she.Ma'generated
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and implies not just hearing but also listening attentively and obeying. It is often used in contexts where God speaks, indicating the necessity of obedience to His words.
The parsing as a Qal imperative shows that this is a direct command, urging the listener to actively engage in hearing and obeying counsel. This word sets the tone for the verse, emphasizing the importance of being receptive to guidance.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses listen and accept consistently with the original Hebrew.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The sentence comprises several clauses, with the main verb שְׁמַע (listen) leading the command. It is followed by an object עֵ֭צָה (counsel) and another verb קַבֵּ֣ל (accept) with its object מוּסָ֑ר (discipline). The structure emphasizes the actions to be taken.
The flow of the sentence indicates a cause-and-effect relationship, where listening and accepting lead to the outcome of becoming wise, as indicated by the jussive verb תֶּחְכַּ֥ם (you may become wise).
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates שְׁמַע as ἄκουε (akoue), which carries the same imperative sense of listening attentively. This choice underscores the importance of heeding advice.
For מוּסָר, the LXX uses παιδείαν (paideian), which suggests a broader understanding of discipline, encompassing training and instruction, reflecting a similar emphasis on moral guidance.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 19:20 encourages us to listen to wise advice and accept correction so that we can be wise throughout our lives. This verse highlights the importance of guidance and discipline in making good decisions.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Listening to counsel means paying attention to advice and guidance from others, particularly those who are wise.
Accepting discipline is important because it helps us learn from our mistakes and grow in wisdom.
You can apply this verse by seeking advice from trusted sources and being open to correction when necessary.
Being wise in the latter part of life means making decisions that lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life as you age.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I be more receptive to advice from others?
- What are some ways I can accept correction in my life?
- In what areas do I need to seek wisdom from counsel?
- How can I apply the lessons learned from discipline to my future decisions?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 19:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHear 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
Read John Gill on Proverbs 19 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 19 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleBefore 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Proverbs 19 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 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.
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 19 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 19 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible20. 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.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 19 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.
Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.
Listen to advice and receive discipline, that you may become wise by the end of your life.
Tyndale line
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.
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.
Heare counsell and receiue instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter ende.
Strictly literal
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Hear counsel and receive instruction, So that thou art wise in thy latter end.
Hear counsel and receive instruction, || So that you are wise in your latter end.
Hear counsel, and accept correction, in order that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.
Listen to advice and accept instruction, so you may become wise by the end of your life.
From the Latin
Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayst be wise in thy latter end.
Simplified
Listen to advice and accept instruction so that you'll eventually become wise.
Let your ear be open to suggestion and take teaching, so that at the end you may be wise.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text reads שְׁמַ֣ע עֵ֭צָה וְקַבֵּ֣ל מוּסָ֑ר לְ֝מַ֗עַן תֶּחְכַּ֥ם בְּאַחֲרִיתֶֽךָ׃. The Septuagint matches five of the seven words, indicating a strong alignment between the two texts, though the word order and articles differ.
שְׁמַ֣ע עֵ֭צָה וְקַבֵּ֣ל מוּסָ֑ר לְ֝מַ֗עַן תֶּחְכַּ֥ם בְּאַחֲרִיתֶֽךָ׃
5 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Proverbs 19:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word שָׁמַע (shama`) means 'to hear' and encompasses a range of meanings including listening, obeying, and proclaiming. It is built from a primitive root and can imply attention and understanding. The entries highlight various grammatical forms, such as Qal, Niphal, Piel, and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of hearing and obeying. There is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
שָׁמַע 1152 vb. hear
Qal 1052
subj. pers. hum.
י׳ (God) subj.
Niph. 42 be heard, of voice, sound
be heard of
be regarded, obeyed
= (favourable) hearing was granted to their voice.
Pi. he caused the people to hear
Hiph. 63
of man
י׳ subj.
base
H8085 שָׁמַע hear
8085 shama` shaw-mah'
a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with
implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to
tell, etc.):--X attentively, call (gather) together, X
carefully, X certainly, consent, consider, be content,
declare, X diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make
to) hear(-ken, tell), X indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be)
obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish,
regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, X surely, tell,
understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: hear.
: 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
שָׁמַע (sha.ma) — to hear: obey.
: obey
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)
V-Qal-Impv-2ms — Verb · Qal · imperative second person masculine singularHVqv2ms
עֵצָה (`etsah) refers to counsel or advice, and can also imply a plan or purpose. It is derived from a root meaning to advise or provide guidance. The entries consistently emphasize its use in contexts related to providing counsel or making decisions.
עֵצָה n.f. counsel, advice
base
H6098 עֵצָה counsel, advice
6098 `etsah ay-tsaw'
from 3289; advice; by implication, plan; also
prudence:--advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.
see HEBREW for 03289
עֵצָה (e.tsah) — counsel.
counsel, advice, purpose
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa
→ General scriptures concerning Pr 1:5; 9:9; 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20; 20:18; 24:6; 27:9
→ See PRUDENCE
→ REJECTED Pr 1:24-33
(1) The importance of Seeking
Pr 11:14; 12:15; 13:10; 15:22; 20:18
--SEE Instruction (1), INSTRUCTION
Guidance, (3), GUIDANCE
Counsellors, COUNSELLORS
(2) Wise, Examples of
קָבַל (qabal) is a Hebrew verb meaning to receive or take. It can imply accepting or assuming an obligation, and in the Hiphil form, it can indicate showing oppositeness or correspondence. The word encompasses both literal and figurative senses of taking or receiving.
[קָבַל] vb. Pi. receive, take
Pi.
take
accept
accept, assume, an obligation
Hiph. shew oppositeness, i.e. correspond, one to another
base
H6901 [קָבַל] Pi. receive, take . . take
. accept
. accept, assume, an obligation
. shew oppositeness, i.e. correspond, one to another
6901 qabal kaw-bal'
a primitive root; to admit, i.e. take (literally or
figuratively):--choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-)take.
קָבַל (qa.val) — to receive.
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)
Conj | V-Piel-Impv-2ms — Conjunction · verb piel imperative second person masculine singularHC/Vpv2ms
מוּסָר (mūsar) refers to discipline, chastening, and correction, particularly of a moral nature. It encompasses concepts like reproof, warning, and instruction, and can also imply restraint or bonds. The entries consistently highlight its focus on moral and instructional aspects, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
מוּסָר n.m. discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction
base
H4148 מוּסָר discipline (of the moral nature), chastening, correction
4148 muwcar moo-sawr'
from 3256; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof,
warning or instruction; also restraint:--bond, chastening
((-eth)), chastisement, check, correction, discipline,
doctrine, instruction, rebuke.
see HEBREW for 03256
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline.
: discipline/punishment
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: instruction.
: instruction
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
מוּסָר (mu.sar) — discipline: bonds.
: bonds/noose
1) discipline, chastening, correction
1a) discipline, correction
1b) chastening
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
ko-rek'-shun (mucar, usually rendered "instruction," is translated "correction" in several passages): The verb from which the noun is derived signifies "to instruct" or "chastise." The idea of chastisement was very closely connected in the Hebrew mind with that of pedagogy. See CHASTISEMENT. the Revised Version (British and American) and the American Standard Revised Version have changed "correction" of the King James Version to "instruction" in Jer 7:28, reversing the order in the margins. shebheT, rendered "rod" in Job 21:9, is unnecessarily changed to "correction" in 37:13. In 2Ti 3:16, epanorthosis, is translated "correction." The difference between correction, discipline and instruction Was not clearly drawn in the Hebrew…
→ See AFFLICTION, DESIGN OF
→ See CHASTISEMENT
→ See CHILDREN, CORRECTION OF
→ See PARENTS
→ See PUNISHMENT
→ See SCOURGING
מַ֫עַן (ma`an) is a preposition and conjunction meaning 'for the sake of' or 'on account of.' It conveys purpose or intent, indicating a motive or aim, and is used adverbially. The word is derived from a root meaning 'heed' or 'purpose' and appears in contexts that express reasons or intentions.
[מַ֫עַן] subst. purpose, intent, only with לְ, in לְמַ֫עַן 271 prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that
base
H4616 מַ֫עַן prep. and conj. for the sake of, on account of, to the intent or in order that
4616 ma`an mah'-an
from 6030; properly, heed, i.e. purpose; used only
adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim),
teleologically, in order that:--because of, to the end
(intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), + lest, that, to.
see HEBREW for 06030
מַ֫עַן (ma.an) — because.
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
Prep — ParticleHTc
so (co', although the Hebrew might be pointed cewe'; Assyrian Sib'u; Septuagint Segor, Soa; Manetho, Seuechos; Latin Sevechus; Herodotus (ii. 137 ff), Sabakon): In all probability the "Sabaeo" of Herodotus, the Shabaka, who founded the Ethiopian dynasty, the XXVth of Egyptian kings. His date is given as 715-707 BC (Flinders Petrie, History of Egypt, III, 281 ff), but we may suppose that before his accession to the throne he was entitled to be designated king, as being actually regent. To this So, Hoshea, king of Israel, made an appeal for assistance to enable him to throw off the yoke of the Assyrian Shalmaneser IV (2Ki 17:3). But Hoshea's submission to So brought him no advantage, for Shalmaneser came up throughout all the land and laid siege to Samaria. Not long after the fall of Samaria, So ventured upon an eastern campaign, and…
So
(Nubian, Sabako), an Ethiopian king who brought Egypt under his sway. He was bribed by Hoshea to help him against the Assyrian monarch Shalmaneser (2 Kings 17:4). This was a return to the policy that had been successful in the reign of Jeroboam I.
"So, king of Egypt," is once mentioned in the Bible -- (2 Kings 17:4) So has been identified by different writers with the first and second kings of the Ethiopian twenty-fifth dynasty, called by Manetho, Sabakon (Shebek) and Sebichos (Shebetek).
King of Egypt, made an alliance with Hoshea king of Israel, and promised him assistance; but was unable to prevent Shalmaneser king of Assyria from taking Samaria and subverting the kingdom, B. C. 721, 2Ki 17:4. See PHARAOH.
So is believed to have been the Servetus or Sabaco II of secular history, the second king of the Ethiopian or twenty-fifth dynasty, and the predecessor of Trihakah. A singular fact has been brought to light by the recent explorations at Nineveh, corroborating the Scripture record the more forcibly, because unexpected and direct. The Bible shows that Egypt and Assyria, though remote, were often in conflict during the height of the Assyrian ruins power, and that So was at war with Shalmaneser. After war comes the treaty of peace; and as the Bible prepares us to suppose such treaties were made, the Assyrian ruins…
חָכַם (chakam) is a Hebrew verb meaning to be wise or to act wisely. It encompasses various forms, including teaching wisdom and showing oneself wise. The entries highlight its use in different contexts, such as making others wise or dealing shrewdly. There are no noted disagreements among the lexicons.
חָכַם vb. be wise
Qal be or become wise, act wisely
Pi. make wise, teach wisdom
Pu. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom
Hiph. making wise the simple
Hithp. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise
base
H2449 חָכַם be wise .be or become wise, act wisely
. make wise, teach wisdom
. made wise, intensive, as it were the embodiment of wisdom
. making wise the simple
. let us deal wisely (shrewdly) toward it (the people); make or shew thyself wise
2449 chakam khaw-kam'
a primitive root, to be wise (in mind, word or act):--X
exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal
(never so) wisely, make wiser.
חָכַם (cha.kham) — be wise.
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
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms — Verb · Qal · jussive second person masculine singularHVqj2ms
אַחֲרִית (achariyth) means 'end' or 'after-part' and encompasses concepts like the future, posterity, and remnants. It can refer to the last time or the latter part of events, often with prophetic implications. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to be behind' and is noted in various contexts, including discussions of time and lineage.
אַחֲרִית 61 n.f. after-part, end
base
H319 אַחֲרִית after-part, end
319 'achariyth akh-ar-eeth'
from 310; the last or end, hence, the future; also
posterity:--(last, latter) end (time), hinder (utter) -most,
length, posterity, remnant, residue, reward.
see HEBREW for 0310
אַחֲרִית (a.cha.rit) — end.
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)
Prep | N-fs | Suff — Preposition · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHR/Ncfsc/Sp2ms