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 presents a profound contrast between the deep satisfaction derived from the fulfillment of righteous desires and 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 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 rich with antithetical parallelism, a hallmark of wisdom literature, where contrasting ideas are placed side-by-side to highlight moral and spiritual truths. This chapter frequently juxtaposes the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked, and their respective consequences. For instance, [Proverbs 13:18](/proverbs/13-18 "Proverbs 13:18 - Poverty and Shame for Disdaining Instruction") speaks of poverty and shame for those who refuse discipline, while [Proverbs 13:20](/proverbs/13-20 "Proverbs 13:20 - Walking with the Wise") emphasizes 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.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Proverbs originates from ancient Israel, a society deeply rooted in covenant theology and the wisdom tradition. Life in this context was understood as a journey under the watchful eye of Yahweh, where choices had direct, often immediate, consequences. The "fool" (Hebrew: *kesil*) in Proverbs is not merely intellectually deficient but morally perverse, one who actively rejects divine instruction and wisdom. "Evil" (*ra'*) encompasses not just malicious acts but also moral corruption and a deviation from God's established order. The concept of "abomination" (*to'evah*) was particularly potent, often referring to practices utterly detestable to God, such as idolatry or injustice, underscoring the severity of the fool's moral stance.
* **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. 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."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **accomplished (Hebrew, _hâyâh'_):** This primitive root signifies "to exist," "to be or become," or "to come to pass." In this context, it emphasizes the tangible realization or manifestation of a desire. It's not merely a wish but a desire that has been brought into being, made real, or fulfilled. The emphasis is on the actualization of the longing.
* **sweet (Hebrew, _ʻârêb'_):** Derived from a root suggesting "close association" or "agreeableness," this word means "to be pleasant," "to take pleasure in," or "to be sweet." 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.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** This widely used term refers to a "breathing creature" or "vitality," encompassing the entire person—their appetite, life, mind, and self. When something is "sweet to the soul," it implies a deep, holistic satisfaction that permeates one's entire being, reaching beyond mere physical pleasure to the core of one's identity and well-being.
* **abomination (Hebrew, _tôwʻêbah'_):** This feminine active participle describes "something disgusting (morally)" or "an abhorrence." It is a strong term, often used in the Old Testament to denote practices or attitudes that are utterly detestable to God, such as idolatry or sexual perversion. 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.
* **depart (Hebrew, _çûwr'_):** This primitive root means "to turn off," "to remove," "to withdraw," or "to eschew." In the context of "departing from evil," it signifies a conscious and deliberate turning away from wicked ways, a moral redirection, or repentance. The fool finds this act of turning away from evil to be abhorrent.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** This term encompasses "bad" or "evil" in both natural and moral senses, referring to adversity, affliction, wickedness, or moral corruption. It signifies anything that is contrary to God's character and will. For the fool, turning away from this moral badness is an "abomination."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul:"** This clause speaks to the profound satisfaction and inner peace 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 deep sense of contentment and joy that permeates the very core of one's being, providing a holistic sense of well-being and fulfillment.
* **"but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil."** In stark contrast, this clause reveals the hardened 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.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 13:19 masterfully employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a foundational literary device in wisdom literature. The verse is divided into two distinct clauses that present opposing ideas, creating a sharp contrast. The first clause describes the positive experience of the wise or righteous ("desire accomplished is sweet to the soul"), while the second clause describes the negative disposition of the foolish ("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 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 an 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.

* [Psalm 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found")
* [Romans 1:28-32](/romans/1-28 "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.

#### 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?**
* **In what areas of my life do I find it difficult or "abominable" to depart from certain habits or attitudes, even if I know they are not good?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart that delights in repentance and finds joy in turning away from evil, rather than resisting it?**
* **What practical steps can I take today to align my desires more closely with God's righteous purposes?**

### 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 context of the Book of Proverbs strongly implies it. Proverbs consistently contrasts the path of the wise (who pursue righteousness) with the path of the fool (who clings to evil). Therefore, the "desire accomplished" that brings "sweetness to the soul" is understood to be a desire that aligns with wisdom, virtue, and God's will. It's the satisfaction that comes from achieving a good, noble, or divinely-inspired goal, rather than a selfish or wicked one. This is consistent with the broader teaching that true fulfillment comes from living in accordance with God's design, as seen in passages like [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man").

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

Answer: The term "abomination" (*to'evah*) is very strong, typically used for things utterly detestable to God. When applied to the fool's perspective, it reveals a profound moral perversion. For a fool, who is characterized by a stubborn rejection of wisdom and divine instruction, turning away from evil is not seen as liberation or a path to good, but as something repulsive and contrary to their hardened nature. They have become so entrenched in their sinful ways that the very idea of repentance or moral change 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 blindness and rebellion, as also implied in [Proverbs 1:22](/proverbs/1-22 "Proverbs 1:22 - How Long Will Simple Ones Love Being Simple?").

### 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 found in Christ. Our deepest, most righteous desire—to be reconciled to God and to live a life of purpose—is fully accomplished in Him. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus satisfied the righteous demands of God, making it possible for us to experience true peace and joy, a "sweetness" that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")). Conversely, the fool's abhorrence of departing from evil highlights humanity's natural 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 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Calls Sinners")), offering not an "abomination" but a glorious invitation to turn from darkness to light ([Acts 26:18](/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 ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/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.