Proverbs 13:19 (BSB)

Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.

From Proverbs 13. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 13:19

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 13:19: This shows the folly of those that refuse instruction, for they might be happy and will not. 1. They might be happy. There are in man strong desires of happiness; God has provided for the accomplishment of those desires, and that would be sweet to the soul, whereas the pleasures of sense are grateful only to the carnal appetite.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on 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, &c.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 13:19: Self-denial, which fools will not endure, is essential to success.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 13:19: Pro 13:19 Two pairs of proverbs regarding fools and wise men, ranged together by catchwords. 19 Quickened desire is sweet to the soul, And it is an abomination to fools to avoid evil. A synthetic distich, the first line of which, viewed by itself, is only a feebler expression of that which is said in Pro 13:12, for תּאוה נהיה is essentially of the same...