Proverbs 13:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 13:19 powerfully contrasts the profound satisfaction derived from the fulfillment of righteous desires with the inherent aversion of fools to genuine moral transformation. This proverb encapsulates a core theme of wisdom literature: the divergent paths and ultimate outcomes for those who embrace divine wisdom and those who stubbornly cling to folly, highlighting the spiritual sweetness of aligning with God's will versus the spiritual repugnance of departing from evil for the unrepentant heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 13 is a quintessential example of Hebrew wisdom literature, heavily employing **antithetical parallelism** to juxtapose contrasting ideas, characters, and their consequences. This chapter repeatedly sets the wise against the foolish, the righteous against the wicked, and their respective destinies. For instance, [Proverbs 13:18](/proverbs/13-18 "Proverbs 13:18 - Poverty and Shame for Disdaining Instruction") warns of poverty and shame for those who refuse discipline, while [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walking with the Wise") extols the benefits of walking with the wise. Proverbs 13:19 fits seamlessly into this pattern, illustrating the internal states and external behaviors that define these two archetypes, specifically focusing on their relationship to desire, satisfaction, and moral change. The proverb's two clauses present a stark, direct opposition, reinforcing the chapter's didactic purpose to guide the reader towards wisdom.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs emerged from ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in its covenant relationship with Yahweh and its rich wisdom tradition. Life was understood as a journey under God's sovereign gaze, where choices had direct, often immediate, consequences, reflecting a divine moral order. The "fool" (Hebrew: _kesil_) in Proverbs is not merely intellectually deficient but morally perverse, characterized by a stubborn refusal to heed divine instruction and wisdom. "Evil" (Hebrew: _ra'_) encompasses not only malicious acts but also moral corruption, a deviation from God's established order, and anything that brings harm or distress. The concept of "abomination" (Hebrew: _to'evah_) was particularly potent, often referring to practices utterly detestable to God, such as idolatry, injustice, or sexual perversion, underscoring the severity of the fool's moral stance and the depth of their spiritual rebellion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. It speaks to the **nature of true satisfaction**, asserting that genuine fulfillment comes from the accomplishment of righteous desires, aligning with God's design for human flourishing, rather than from fleeting worldly pursuits. This aligns with the wisdom tradition's emphasis on seeking lasting good. It sharply delineates the **contrast between wisdom and folly**, portraying the wise as those who find joy in moral progression and the fool as one whose heart is hardened against it. Furthermore, it highlights the **repugnance of repentance** for the unregenerate heart, showing that for those committed to a life of folly, the very idea of turning from sin is not appealing but offensive, indicating a profound spiritual resistance to the path of life and peace. This resistance is a recurring motif, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge") which states that "fools despise wisdom and instruction," and [Proverbs 1:22](/proverbs/1-22 "Proverbs 1:22 - How Long Will Simple Ones Love Being Simple?") where the simple love being simple and scoffers delight in their scoffing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Hebrew, _taʼăvâh'_):** From a root meaning "to long," this word signifies a longing, a delight, or a craving. It can refer to both good and bad desires, but in the context of wisdom literature and the positive outcome described, it implicitly refers to a righteous or divinely-aligned longing. Its accomplishment brings deep satisfaction.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _ʻârêb'_):** This primitive root suggests "to be agreeable" or "to be pleasant." It describes the delightful, satisfying, and deeply agreeable sensation experienced when a desire is fulfilled. This "sweetness" is not superficial but resonates profoundly with the inner being, indicating a harmonious and pleasing experience.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This strong term refers to "something disgusting (morally)" or "an abhorrence." It is used throughout the Old Testament to denote practices or attitudes utterly detestable to God. Here, it is applied to the fool's perception of departing from evil, indicating a profound moral perversion where what is good and righteous is viewed as utterly repulsive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul:"** This clause speaks to the profound satisfaction, inner peace, and deep contentment that results from the successful realization of a heartfelt longing or goal. When a desire, particularly one aligned with wisdom and righteousness, comes to fruition, it brings a sense of joy and fulfillment that permeates the very core of one's being, providing a holistic sense of well-being and spiritual delight. The "soul" (_nephesh_) here signifies the entire person, emphasizing a comprehensive and deep-seated satisfaction.
* **"but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil."** In stark contrast, this clause reveals the hardened and perverse nature of the fool. While the wise find delight in good outcomes and moral progression, fools find the very notion of turning away from their wicked ways to be utterly repulsive and detestable. For them, repentance, moral correction, or abandoning sinful habits is an "abomination," something they actively despise and refuse to do, highlighting their deep-seated rebellion against wisdom and righteousness and their spiritual blindness to what is truly good.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:19 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational literary device in wisdom literature. The verse is structured with two distinct clauses that present opposing ideas, creating a sharp contrast. The first clause describes the positive experience of the wise or righteous ("The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul"), while the second clause describes the negative disposition of the foolish ("but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil"). This juxtaposition highlights the divergent paths and internal realities of these two archetypes. The use of strong emotional and sensory language, such as "sweet" and "abomination," further amplifies this contrast, emphasizing the profound difference in their values and responses to moral truth. The verse also uses **Metaphor** by describing the feeling of fulfillment as "sweet," appealing to a sensory experience to convey a deep emotional and spiritual reality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb underscores the biblical principle that true joy and spiritual satisfaction are found in aligning one's desires and actions with God's will, while a life of persistent rebellion leads to spiritual emptiness and a perverted sense of values. The "desire accomplished" in the first half is implicitly a righteous desire, as the Book of Proverbs consistently links positive outcomes with wisdom and righteousness. This aligns with the idea that God delights in the prosperity of His servants and blesses those who walk in His ways. Conversely, the fool's abhorrence of departing from evil reveals a heart fundamentally opposed to God's character and commands, a spiritual state that is anathema to the pursuit of wisdom and life. This resistance to repentance is a tragic hallmark of those who choose folly over divine instruction, demonstrating a profound spiritual blindness and a preference for darkness over light.

* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Delight in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28-32 "God Gives Them Over to a Debased Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 13:19 offers a profound mirror for self-examination, challenging us to consider the nature of our deepest desires and our response to moral correction. Do we find genuine "sweetness" in the accomplishment of goals that honor God and serve others, or are our satisfactions fleeting and self-centered? More critically, when confronted with our own shortcomings or sinful patterns, do we embrace the call to "depart from evil" as a path to freedom and life, or do we resist it, finding it an "abomination" to change? This proverb reminds us that a heart unwilling to repent and turn from sin is a heart hardened against God's wisdom, leading to spiritual stagnation and ultimate destruction. True wisdom is demonstrated not only in pursuing good but also in a humble and eager willingness to forsake evil, recognizing that such a turning brings profound spiritual peace and aligns us with the very heart of God. It calls us to cultivate a heart that delights in God's ways and finds joy in obedience, even when it requires sacrifice and turning away from familiar comforts of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What desires am I currently pursuing, and do their potential accomplishments promise a "sweetness to the soul" that aligns with God's will and eternal purposes?**
* **In what areas of my life do I find it difficult or "abominable" to depart from certain habits, attitudes, or relationships, even if I know they are not good or are contrary to God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that delights in repentance and finds joy in turning away from evil, rather than resisting it as something repulsive?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to align my desires more closely with God's righteous purposes and actively turn from any known evil?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "desire" is being referred to in the first part of the verse?**

Answer: While the verse doesn't explicitly state "righteous desire," the consistent theological framework of the Book of Proverbs strongly implies it. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the path of the wise (who pursue righteousness and God's will) with the path of the fool (who clings to evil and self-serving desires). Therefore, the "desire accomplished" that brings "sweetness to the soul" is understood to be a desire that aligns with wisdom, virtue, and God's divine design for human flourishing. It's the profound satisfaction that comes from achieving a good, noble, or divinely-inspired goal, rather than a selfish, fleeting, or wicked one. This is consistent with the broader biblical teaching that true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with God's design and delighting in His law, as seen in passages like [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1-3 "The Blessed Man").

**Why is it an "abomination" for fools to depart from evil?**

Answer: The term "abomination" (_tôwʻêbah_) is very strong, typically used for things utterly detestable to God. When applied to the fool's perspective in this proverb, it reveals a profound moral perversion and spiritual blindness. For a fool, who is characterized by a stubborn rejection of wisdom and divine instruction, turning away from evil is not seen as liberation, a path to good, or a source of joy, but as something repulsive and contrary to their hardened nature. They have become so entrenched in their sinful ways and rebellious mindset that the very idea of repentance, moral change, or abandoning sinful habits is offensive to them. Their values are inverted; what is good is perceived as bad, and what is bad is embraced. This deep-seated resistance highlights their spiritual rebellion and their preference for darkness over light, as also implied in [Proverbs 1:29-30](/proverbs/1-29-30 "They Hated Knowledge and Did Not Choose the Fear of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 13:19 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "desire accomplished" that is "sweet to the soul" points to the profound spiritual satisfaction and eternal peace found exclusively in Christ. Our deepest, most righteous desire—to be reconciled to God, to find purpose, and to be delivered from sin—is fully and perfectly accomplished in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus satisfied the righteous demands of God, making it possible for us to experience true peace and joy, a "sweetness" that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God")). Conversely, the fool's abhorrence of departing from evil highlights humanity's natural, fallen resistance to repentance, a resistance that only the transformative power of the Gospel can overcome. Jesus came precisely to call sinners to repentance ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Jesus Calls Sinners")), offering not an "abomination" but a glorious invitation to turn from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light ([Acts 26:18](/acts/26-18 "To Open Their Eyes")). In Christ, the power of sin that makes departing from evil seem repulsive is broken, and a new desire for righteousness is implanted by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to genuinely delight in turning from sin and pursuing holiness, finding true sweetness in obedience and communion with God as a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.