Proverbs 13:19

The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
– Proverbs 13:19

The wording in this proverb is difficult and various interpretations have been offered. The second and contrasting phrase gives the emphasis to the first phrase. Taken in this light, the desire mentioned must be a good desire as the obtaining it yields the sweet result. The contrast is that fools refuse the good that comes from wisdom and righteousness because they cannot depart from evil. It is an abomination to fools, just as the upright are to the wicked (Proverbs 29:27). This proverb then reflects the spiritual nature of the fool’s problem. He doesn’t lack good information. He refuses it because he loves his folly more (Proverbs 26:11). He is wise in his own eyes and does not fear the Lord and therefore will not depart from evil nor purge his iniquities (Proverbs 3:7; 16:6).

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