Proverbs 20:17
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The sweetness of "bread gained by deceit" isn't just about immediate pleasure; it's the thrill of getting away with it, like finding forbidden fruit. But the "gravel" isn't just a bad taste; it represents the profound, grinding consequence of that choice, like teeth crunching on stones, hinting at a future full of regret and distress.
This verse appears in the midst of a collection of wisdom sayings, many of which contrast the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their choices. It follows a series of proverbs warning against laziness, gluttony, and dishonest dealings, painting a picture of life's practical ethics. The saying about deceitful gain directly contrasts with wisdom's invitation to a more stable, God-honoring life that comes before and after it.
Why does dishonesty feel so good in the moment? It's not just about the money; it's about the deceptive 'sweetness' that draws us in.
Proverbs here paints a vivid picture of how sin, particularly dishonest gain, initially feels pleasant. The verse calls it 'bread of deceit,' which can be understood as anything obtained through falsehood, cheating, or unjust means.
That fleeting sweetness of deceit doesn't last. What happens when the party's over and reality hits?
The second half of the verse delivers a stark warning: 'afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel.' This isn't just a minor inconvenience; it signifies severe, unpleasant consequences.
Understand the original words
lechem... sheqer · Hebrew Noun phrase
Acquisition of resources or goods through dishonest, fraudulent, or tricky means rather than honest labor.
This passage describes 'the bread of wickedness' and 'the wine of violence,' directly paralleling the idea in Proverbs 20:17 that ill-gotten gains, though initially appealing ('sweet'), ultimately lead to ruin.
Lamentations 3:16The imagery of a mouth filled with 'gravel' or 'grit' directly echoes this verse, where the prophet describes his suffering, highlighting the painful and distressing consequences of past actions or circumstances.
Job 20:12-15This passage speaks of wickedness being 'sweet in his mouth' but then turning bitter and causing severe internal suffering, mirroring the sweet allure and the eventual harsh reality described in Proverbs 20:17.
Matthew 16:6Jesus warns against the 'leaven' of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which can be understood as deceptive teachings. This connects to the idea of 'bread of deceit' being appealing but ultimately harmful and lacking true nourishment.
bensonProverbs 20:17: "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel."
Proverbs 20:17 . Bread of deceit — Gain or pleasure procured by unrighteous courses; is sweet to a man — And the more sweet, because it is unlawfully obtained; such pleasure doth the carnal mind take in the success of its wicked projects! Observe, reader, all the pleasures and profits of sin are bread of deceit; they are stolen; they are forbidden fruit; and they deceive men; for they do n…
cambridgeProverbs 20:17: "Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel."
17 . Bread of deceit ] or of falsehood , R.V., i.e. bread (or whatever else that word represents) gotten by dishonest and deceitful methods. with gravel ] Comp. Lamentations 3:16 .
The sweetness of "bread gained by deceit" isn't just about immediate pleasure; it's the thrill of getting away with it, like finding forbidden fruit. But the "gravel" isn't just a bad taste; it represents the profound, grinding consequence of that choice, like teeth crunching on stones, hinting at a future full of regret and distress.
This verse appears in the midst of a collection of wisdom sayings, many of which contrast the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their choices. It follows a series of proverbs warning against laziness, gluttony, and dishonest dealings, painting a picture of life's practical ethics. The saying about deceitful gain directly contrasts with wisdom's invitation to a more stable, God-honoring life that comes before and after it.
This verse appears in the midst of a collection of wisdom sayings, many of which contrast the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their choices. It follows a series of proverbs warning against laziness, gluttony, and dishonest dealings, painting a picture of life's practical ethics. The saying about deceitful gain directly contrasts with wisdom's invitation to a more stable, God-honoring life that comes before and after it.
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"Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel." — The sweetness of "bread gained by deceit" isn't just about immediate pleasure; it's the thrill of getting away with it, like finding forbidden fruit. But the "gravel" isn't just a bad taste; it repre…
