Proverbs 19:20-21 (ESV)
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
that you may gain wisdom in the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
The father reminds his son of how critical it is to listen to and put godly advice into practice. By doing so, the son will enjoy the blessing of wisdom, both in this age and the age to come. By acquiring wisdom, the son can face the future with confidence instead of fear. The father goes on to explain why this wisdom is so important. The human mind may make many plans for the future, but in the end, only what God allows will transpire. Even the most carefully thought out intentions will fail before the Lord if they are not part of his providential plan. The wise person trusts that God is working all things together for the good of those who love him. Even in the face of suffering, God can take what was intended for harm and instead bring redemption from the darkness. Those who obey the Lord will ultimately live “happily ever after.”