Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:19 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. "
Proverbs 13:19
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
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This shows the foolishness of those who refuse instruction. They could be happy, but they will not. God has built strong desires for happiness into people, and he has provided a way to satisfy them. What he gives is sweet to the soul, while bodily pleasures only please the sinful appetite for a short time.
Good people desire God’s favor and spiritual blessings, and these bring deep joy to their souls. Those who have felt this can speak from experience (Psalm 4:6, 7). Yet some will not be happy, because turning away from evil is hateful to them. That turn away from sin is necessary for real happiness. No one should expect anything truly sweet for the soul if they will not leave their sins, but instead keep them under their tongue like a sweet morsel.
From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful crave violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."
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