Proverbs 13.12 contrasts waiting and accomplishing. Or, heart-sickness and life. In short, it states that desire accomplished is life-giving.
Deep desire, when achieved, is life giving. Whereas, delayed achievement makes me heart sick. Proverbs 13.12 paraphrase
The Precept Explained
Accomplishing a deeply desired goal is incredibly satisfying, according to Proverbs 13.12.
More so, it seems, after encountering delays. Or, after overcoming roadblocks.
Fact is, a longing that’s accomplished often requires persistence. Particularly, it seems, in the face of delay. Or, opposition. And sometimes, unexpected set-backs.
Therefore, without the ability to persist, I remain a heart-sick victim of circumstances.
What’s worse, I’m always blaming others or outside forces for my failure.
In other words, I’m not living in a way that’s proactive because I’m not taking responsibility for my life outcomes.
Hope Deferred
The Hebrew word translated “deferred” in Proverbs 13.12 is passive. Thus, it suggests that I didn’t choose the delay.
Elsewhere, the word is translated draw-out or be prolonged. For example, in First Kings 22.34, it means stretch a bow. Also, it’s translated “prolonged” in Ezekiel 12.25.
Well, waiting certainly stretches me! So, how about you?
However, the issue isn’t the cause of the delay. Instead, the issue is how I choose to respond to the delay.
Hence, the waiting results in enhanced joy once the goal is accomplished.
Response to Waiting
Ok, I’m waiting. So, now what?
First, delays are an opportunity to develop endurance.
Second, they’re an opportunity to be creative in finding other ways to get to the goal.
Third, they’re a chance for soul searching. For instance, it’s a time to review my “why” regarding the reason I started down this path.
Desire drives me to persist toward my goal and to realize the life-energizing and sustaining joy of accomplishment.
Apply this Today!
Truly, desire accomplished is life-giving. But, what am I waiting on right now?
What’s one thing I could do today to move closer to the goal? Remember, there is satisfaction in seeing progress toward an end point.
More importantly, am I actively learning as a result of this waiting? For example, am I finding ways to persist and move forward? Or, to question why I’m so impatient?
What do you think? Send me a comment: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com