What does Proverbs 13:19 mean?

All people feel a sense of accomplishment when they achieve a goal. There is a deep satisfaction which comes when a desire has been realized. This connection between hopes and happiness was mentioned earlier in this passage (Proverbs 13:12). A contrast with those who insist on pursuing evil puts that concept into unique context. Part of the implication is that only godly desires are truly fulfilled (1 Corinthians 3:15; Matthew 6:20). Sinful urges can only lead to ruin and disappointment (Proverbs 11:7).

In contrast to those who seek godly wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; 9:7–12), foolish people are disgusted at the idea of setting aside their sins. That attitude feeds itself, with sin leading to even deeper rejection of God (Romans 1:28–32). Rather than recognize what's evil and turn to what's good (Proverbs 3:7; 16:17), they choose to remain in sin (John 5:39–40; 8:24). Sin, like anything else earthly, never fully satisfies (John 4:13–14; Proverbs 11:6). And, so, those who insist on sin are damned to eternal disappointment (Luke 13:27–28; Romans 6:20–23).

The apostle Paul set the goal of fulfilling the commission the Lord had given him to preach the gospel. He told King Agrippa, "I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:19). At the end of his life, Paul enjoyed the soul satisfaction of having attained his goal. He writes in 2 Timothy 4:6–7: "The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." He looked forward to receiving from the Lord the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8).