Pursuing Wisdom: The Power of Listening and Learning

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” Proverbs 19:20

The central theme of the book of Proverbs is wisdom. The father urges his son to pursue wisdom and gain understanding. He encourages the son to treasure wisdom in his heart, promising that it will protect and sustain him (Proverbs 2:10; 4:5-9). Listening, receiving counsel and instruction results in gaining wisdom for the future.

The call to hear and receive requires effort. Hearing with understanding means listening intelligently, which demands focus and thought. Anyone can sit through a class and hear words but understanding them takes real effort. This effort can lead to physical, emotional, and mental fatigue. As a result, there is danger that Biblical knowledge may be absent in our homes and churches because the commitment to know God is missing. It is easier to absorb words from a television or phone screen. However, hearing godly counsel requires effort, but the reward for that effort is wisdom. The knowledge and wisdom we acquire equips us to make sound decisions in the future. However, if we neglect to understand and embrace the guidance found in GOD’S word, our complacency can lead to ruin. Inevitably, we will encounter moments where we lack the wisdom to make a just and righteous choice. (Proverbs 1:20-29)

The second charge is to receive, meaning to admit, take, or choose. A decision must be made to accept instruction. While instruction includes teaching, its primary emphasis is on discipline, chastisement, warnings, and rebukes—things that are not always easy to endure. The Hebrew writer says in Hebrews 12:11, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” God chastises those He loves. Discipline requires effort and submission. While this can often be exhausting, the reward is great. By accepting discipline and allowing ourselves to be trained by it, we gain the wisdom to make righteous decisions, which becomes invaluable. However, if we refuse to listen and fail to receive it, foolish choices will follow, leading to destruction.

Consider: Proverbs 5:8-13

(CEV) “Pay attention to advice and accept correction, so you can live sensibly.” Proverbs 19:20

(Darby) “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” Proverbs 19:20