King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is pleasant."
Berean Standard Bible:
“Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is tasty!”
American Standard Version:
Stolen waters are sweet, And breadeatenin secret is pleasant.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Stolen{H1589} waters{H4325} are sweet{H4985}, and bread{H3899} eaten in secret{H5643} is pleasant{H5276}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 20:17
- ¶ Bread of deceit [is] sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
Proverbs 23:31
- Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright.
Proverbs 23:32
- At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.
James 1:14
- But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
James 1:15
- Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Proverbs 30:20
- Such [is] the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.
2 Kings 5:24
- And when he came to the tower, he took [them] from their hand, and bestowed [them] in the house: and he let the men go, and they departed.
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Commentary for Proverbs 9:17
Proverbs 9:17, "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant," is part of a larger chapter that contrasts wisdom and folly personified. In the historical context of Proverbs, which is a collection of ancient Hebrew wisdom literature, this verse reflects the practical and moral insights of the time. The book of Proverbs is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for his wisdom, and was likely compiled during the period of Israel's monarchy, between the 10th and 7th centuries BCE.
The verse itself speaks to the human tendency to find allure in the forbidden. It suggests that illicit activities, such as stealing water or eating bread in secret, can seem more appealing due to their clandestine nature. The "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret" metaphorically represent any pleasure or gain that comes through dishonorable means. The underlying theme is a warning against the temptation to indulge in what is morally wrong, highlighting the temporary and deceptive nature of such pleasures.
In the broader context of Proverbs 9, this verse is situated within a contrast between the invitations of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Lady Wisdom offers life and calls upon those who are simple to choose understanding, while Lady Folly offers easy pleasures that lead to destruction. Verse 17 is often associated with the enticements of Lady Folly, illustrating the short-sightedness and ultimate peril of choosing immediate gratification over righteousness and wisdom. The message is timeless, addressing the perennial human struggle between the appeal of the forbidden and the pursuit of ethical and sustainable goods.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H1589
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: גָּנַב
Transliteration: gânab
Pronunciation: gaw-nab'
Description: a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. - Strong's Number: H4325
There are 525 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַיִם
Transliteration: mayim
Pronunciation: mah'-yim
Description: dual of a primitive noun (but used in a singular sense); water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen; [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). - Strong's Number: H4985
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָתַק
Transliteration: mâthaq
Pronunciation: maw-thak'
Description: a primitive root; to suck, by implication, to relish, or (intransitively) be sweet; be (made, [idiom] take) sweet. - Strong's Number: H3899
There are 277 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: לֶחֶם
Transliteration: lechem
Pronunciation: lekh'-em
Description: from לָחַם; See also בֵּית לְעַפְרָה; food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it); (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. - Strong's Number: H5643
There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: סֵתֶר
Transliteration: çêther
Pronunciation: say'-ther
Description: or (feminine) סִתְרָה; (Deuteronomy [32:38), from סָתַר; a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense); backbiting, covering, covert, [idiom] disguise(-th), hiding place, privily, protection, secret(-ly, place). - Strong's Number: H5276
There are 8 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: נָעֵם
Transliteration: nâʻêm
Pronunciation: naw-ame'
Description: a primitive root; to be agreeable (literally or figuratively); pass in beauty, be delight, be pleasant, be sweet.