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: King James Version
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
Proverbs 13:19
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
20 He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
21 Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.
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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 heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner."
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