Proverbs 20:17 kjv

Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17 nkjv

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

Proverbs 20:17 niv

Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.

Proverbs 20:17 esv

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

Proverbs 20:17 nlt

Stolen bread tastes sweet,
but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

Proverbs 20 verses

Proverbs 20 17 Meaning

Proverbs 20:17 declares that possessions or gains acquired through dishonesty, fraud, or falsehood may initially seem appealing and offer temporary gratification, like "sweet bread." However, the verse warns that such illicit acquisition inevitably leads to bitter and detrimental consequences, metaphorically described as one's mouth being "full of gravel," signifying pain, regret, and ultimate ruin.

Proverbs 20 17 Context

Proverbs 20 is a collection of various proverbial sayings, typical of the wisdom literature genre, offering counsel on a wide array of life issues, moral principles, and character traits. The chapter includes proverbs about kingship, diligence, human depravity, honest commerce, and the consequences of sin. Verse 17 fits within a broader theme of wisdom literature that warns against injustice and highlights the inevitable outcome of sin, often contrasting initial gratification with ultimate disaster. It serves as a caution against dishonesty in gaining livelihood, specifically against fraudulent business practices, deception, or taking what does not rightfully belong to one. Historically, Israelite society placed high value on fair weights and measures (Deut 25:13-16) and viewed God as sovereign over human actions and their consequences.

Proverbs 20 17 Word analysis

• Bread (לֶחֶם - lekhem): Beyond literal bread, lekhem here represents food, livelihood, sustenance, or any provision. It signifies what is essential for life and well-being.
• Gained by deceit (לֶחֶם שֶׁקֶר - lekhem sheqer): Literally "bread of falsehood" or "bread of lies." Sheqer means lie, deception, fraud, unreality, or worthlessness. This refers to anything acquired through dishonest means—stolen goods, cheating, false testimony, misrepresentation, or illicit business practices. It highlights the morally corrupt source of the "gain."
• Sweet (עָרֵב - ʿarev): Pleasant, agreeable, delightful, palatable. It speaks of the immediate pleasure, satisfaction, or advantage that an individual feels upon achieving success through deceit. This sweetness is deceptive, creating an illusion of benefit.
• Man (אִישׁ - 'ish): A generic term for a person, individual, or human being. The consequence is universal, affecting anyone who engages in such behavior.
• Afterward (אַחַר - 'aḥar): Implies a temporal sequence; the bitter outcome is not immediate but follows the initial perceived "sweetness." This highlights the deceptive nature of the initial pleasure and the delayed but certain consequences.
• Mouth (פֶּה - peh): Literal mouth, the organ of eating. Metaphorically, it refers to the entire person's experience, encompassing one's conscience, reputation, health, and life circumstances. It’s where the "sweet bread" was enjoyed, emphasizing the reversal of fortune directly tied to the initial act.
• Full of gravel (חֲצַץ - ḥatsats, related to crushing or crumbling; some Septuagint and Latin versions interpret it as ṣōr, rock/gravel): Gravel, pebbles, or crushed stone. The imagery conveys something hard, indigestible, painful, and ultimately destructive. Instead of being nourished, the person is choked, wounded, or experiences inner agony and brokenness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man": This phrase emphasizes the deceptive allure of ill-gotten gain. It highlights the initial gratification, ease, and perceived success that comes from dishonesty, appealing directly to human desire for comfort and quick profit.
• "but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel": This phrase provides the stark contrast and the inevitable, harsh consequence. It underscores that the perceived benefit is short-lived and yields a painful, unpalatable, and perhaps physically and spiritually damaging outcome, symbolizing shattered lives, ruined reputations, remorse, legal trouble, and divine judgment.

Proverbs 20 17 Bonus section

• The Hebrew concept of "recompense" (rewarding or punishing according to actions) is deeply embedded in this proverb. It suggests an intrinsic order in the universe established by God, where actions have natural and spiritual consequences.
• The contrast between 'arev (sweet) and the implication of tza'ar (pain/bitterness, inherent in the imagery of gravel) is a powerful example of antithetical parallelism, a common literary device in Proverbs, highlighting the direct opposition of initial perception versus ultimate reality.
• This Proverb extends beyond financial gain to encompass any aspect of life where deception is employed for a desired outcome, such as lying for social standing or manipulating for power. The principle remains: what is gained dishonestly eventually corrupts and injures the one who grasps it.

Proverbs 20 17 Commentary

Proverbs 20:17 is a profound warning against the transient appeal of ill-gotten gain. The vivid metaphor of "sweet bread" turning into "gravel" masterfully encapsulates the ultimate futility and pain of dishonesty. The initial "sweetness" represents the deceptive satisfaction or perceived advantage one experiences when obtaining wealth, power, or desire through fraudulent means. It's easy money, effortless success, or the thrill of getting away with something. This immediate pleasure can be intoxicating, making the path of deception seem worthwhile.

However, the wisdom literature consistently reveals the retributive justice woven into creation. The "afterward" is crucial, as the consequences, while not always immediate, are certain. "Gravel in the mouth" symbolizes severe and enduring hardship, a total reversal of the initial delight. This can manifest as ruined relationships, a tormented conscience, loss of respect, legal penalties, financial instability (as ill-gotten gains often dwindle quickly), physical illness, or a deep spiritual emptiness. The "gravel" is indigestible, literally harmful, and ultimately provides no true nourishment, leading to brokenness and profound regret. This Proverb advocates for honest, diligent labor, reminding believers that true satisfaction and lasting prosperity are found in righteous living and seeking God's favor rather than engaging in deceptive practices. It echoes the universal biblical principle that one reaps what one sows, and the pleasure of sin is indeed fleeting.