Satisfaction Guaranteed, or Not

“The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.” (Pr 13:19 AV)

This proverb is understood in two ways.  The first manner in which it is expounded is to make the first part of the proverb equal to the second.  The second part is seen as the other side of the coin.  In other words, the desire of the wicked is sweet to his soul, but if he departs from those desires, it becomes an abomination to him.  I don’t agree with this explanation because the word ‘but’ would more correctly be ‘and’.  The second manner is which it is expounded is the desire of the righteous is sweet to his soul, but the absence of evil is an abomination to the wicked.  I believe that is the proper way in which to understand this proverb and explains the different between desire and lust.  This is further supported by the definition of ‘desire’ which means longing or delight.  As compared to a lust or obsession.  This proverb is all about how the wicked and righteous perceive and experience pleasure.  To the first, it is a lust or obsession that can never be satisfied.  To the later, pleasure is a blessing of provided by the goodness of God’s grace and is grateful and completely satisfied with any and all of God’s lovingkindness show towards him.

Have you ever observed two children playing with the same set of toys?  Perhaps a set of Legos or a tea set?  Some times they share and play nice, cooperating is the theme of the play.  Other times, they go their separate ways and ignore the other.  Then there are the times they both fight over all the toys until one has conquered the other or a grown-up breaks up the fight.  Then there is the rare occasion where one child tries to amass as many toys as he can while the other is content with whatever is left over.  Invariably, the hoarder only wants the toys the other finds enjoyable.  As play continues, the hoarder is gathering as many Legos as he can because he wants them and thinks he needs them.  The other would be content with whatever is left over.  The first is never satisfied and sees this lack of satisfaction and disagreeable thing.  The other is satisfied with whatever is available and because of his contented spirit, is satisfied no matter what.

This is how we process our desire for pleasure.  We are either the first who is never satisfied and sees this dissatisfaction as a hateful thing.  Not just an uncomfortable thing, but rather, a great evil.  We have to have what we want.  If we do not get what we want, it is a vexation of soul.  Or, we are the second type of person.  If there is a longing or delight for which we pine for, and the LORD grants us that desire, there is a sweetness and peace to the soul the wicked will never understand.  When I think of these things, I think of the simpler things of life.  Like sitting in my recliner during our recent winter storm, watching the snow wisp off our neighbor’s roof with a cup of hot coffee in my hand and the word of God on my lap.  There isn’t a greater delight than to walk with God in the simplest of ways.  The more we are like those who delight in the simple desires of life, the more grateful we are for our good and merciful God.  The more we appreciate the benevolence of God, the more at peace we are with what life brings.  However, if we are more like the wicked who considers it an abomination when lust is not satisfied, then we will always be discontented and at war with life and God.