Proverbs 13:19

19 A desire {fulfilled} will be sweet to the soul, but an abomination of fools is turning from evil.

Proverbs 13:19 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 13:19

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul
Whether the desire be after riches and honour, after wisdom and knowledge; or after the best things, the knowledge of God, and communion with him; an interest in Christ, and the blessings of his grace, as pardon, righteousness and a right and title to eternal glory and happiness, and the enjoyment of that: and how sweet are these things the soul desires, when they are possessed! see ( Proverbs 13:12 ) ; such are "the desires of the godly", as the Septuagint render the word; but [it is] abomination to fools to depart from evil;
they cannot bear the thoughts of parting with their lusts; they are so delightful to them, not knowing anything of the sweetness of the things before mentioned; and which they can never enjoy without departing from sin, to which they are exceedingly averse.

Proverbs 13:19 In-Context

17 A messenger of wickedness will fall into trouble, but an envoy of the faithful [brings] healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace [belong to] him who ignores instruction, but he who guards reproof will be honored.
19 A desire {fulfilled} will be sweet to the soul, but an abomination of fools is turning from evil.
20 Walk with the wise and be wise, but as for the companion of fools, he will suffer harm.
21 Misfortune will pursue sinners, but the righteous {will be rewarded with prosperity}.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Literally "made to be," "brought about"
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.