Proverbs 20:17
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭אִישׁ
to a man
H376
לָ֭אִישׁ
to a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
2 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֶ֣חֶם
Bread
H3899
לֶ֣חֶם
Bread
Strong's:
H3899
Word #:
3 of 8
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
שָׁ֑קֶר
of deceit
H8267
שָׁ֑קֶר
of deceit
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
וְ֝אַחַ֗ר
but afterwards
H310
וְ֝אַחַ֗ר
but afterwards
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
יִמָּֽלֵא
shall be filled
H4390
יִמָּֽלֵא
shall be filled
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
6 of 8
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 11:9Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
Historical Context
Biblical law prescribed restitution for theft and fraud (Leviticus 6:1-7). Beyond legal penalties, the proverb warns of the internal corruption and ultimate divine judgment that follow dishonest gain.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you tempted to take shortcuts or compromises for quick gain?
- What 'sweet bread' might actually be poisoning your soul?
Analysis & Commentary
Ill-gotten gain may seem 'sweet' initially—providing immediate pleasure and satisfaction. But eventually 'his mouth shall be filled with gravel'—the outcome is bitter, painful, and destructive. Bread obtained through deceit, theft, or fraud brings momentary gratification but ultimate ruin. The metaphor of 'gravel' suggests both worthlessness and injury; what seemed nourishing becomes indigestible and harmful. This reflects God's moral order: sin always pays wages, and stolen pleasure turns to lasting pain. The apparently successful wicked will face both temporal consequences and eternal judgment. Better to earn honest bread, even if scarce, than feast on dishonest abundance that becomes ashes.