Proverbs 13:19

¶ The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil.

The desire {H8378} accomplished {H1961} is sweet {H6149} to the soul {H5315}: but it is abomination {H8441} to fools {H3684} to depart {H5493} from evil {H7451}.

Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning away from evil is abhorrent to fools.

Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul; But it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil.

Proverbs 13:19 offers a sharp contrast between the satisfaction of achieving a righteous goal and the stubborn resistance of fools to moral correction. This verse speaks to fundamental truths about human nature, desire, and the path to true wisdom.

Context

The Book of Proverbs is part of the Old Testament's wisdom literature, providing practical insights and moral guidance for daily living. It frequently uses antithetical parallelism, contrasting the characteristics and outcomes of the wise with those of the foolish. This particular proverb highlights the differing responses to moral truth and the consequences of one's choices, emphasizing the value of pursuing good and the peril of clinging to evil.

Meaning of the Verse

  • "The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul:" This first clause speaks to a universal human experience: the deep satisfaction and joy that comes from the realization of a cherished hope, goal, or aspiration. When a righteous desire is fulfilled, it brings inner peace and contentment, touching the very core of one's being. This "sweetness" is not merely superficial pleasure but a profound sense of well-being that resonates with the soul.
  • "but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil." In stark contrast, the second clause reveals the hardened nature of a fool. While the wise find delight in good outcomes, fools find the very idea of turning away from their wicked ways to be utterly repulsive. For them, repentance, moral change, or abandoning sinful habits is an "abomination" – something they detest and refuse to do. This highlights their deep-seated rebellion against wisdom and righteousness.

Key Themes

  • The Nature of True Satisfaction: Genuine and lasting fulfillment stems from the accomplishment of good and righteous desires, aligning with divine principles, rather than from fleeting worldly pursuits.
  • The Contrast Between Wisdom and Folly: The proverb clearly distinguishes between the wise, who find joy in righteous living, and fools, who are characterized by their stubborn refusal to abandon evil.
  • Repugnance of Repentance: For those committed to a life of folly, the call to turn from sin is not appealing but offensive, indicating a spiritually hardened heart that resists the path to true life and peace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "desire" (*ta'avah*) in the first clause can refer to a strong longing, which, when directed towards good, brings the described "sweetness." The term "abomination" (Hebrew: to'evah) in the second clause is potent. It's a strong word frequently used in the Old Testament to describe practices or attitudes that are utterly detestable to God (e.g., idolatry, injustice). Here, it describes what fools find detestable: the act of "departing from evil" (*sur mera'*), which signifies turning away or repenting from their wicked ways. This emphasizes the profound moral perversion of the fool.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to pursue righteous desires and goals, knowing that their fulfillment brings genuine spiritual and emotional sweetness. It reminds us that God delights in our growth and provides the desires of our heart when we delight in Him. More importantly, it serves as a powerful warning against the dangers of a hardened heart. We are challenged to examine ourselves: Do we find repentance and moral correction appealing, or do we resist them? A willingness to forsake evil and embrace righteousness is a hallmark of wisdom, leading to true peace and satisfaction. Conversely, stubbornness in sin leads to spiritual emptiness and, ultimately, destruction. The path to lasting joy involves aligning our desires with God's will and being willing to fear the Lord and depart from evil.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 7:14

    And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

  • Revelation 7:17

    For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

  • Proverbs 13:12

    ¶ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but [when] the desire cometh, [it is] a tree of life.

  • Proverbs 29:27

    ¶ An unjust man [is] an abomination to the just: and [he that is] upright in the way [is] abomination to the wicked.

  • Proverbs 16:17

    ¶ The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul.

  • Psalms 34:14

    Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

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