Proverbs 20:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Bread {H3899} of deceit {H8267} is sweet {H6156} to a man {H376}; but afterwards {H310} his mouth {H6310} shall be filled {H4390} with gravel {H2687}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Food obtained by fraud may taste good, but later the mouth is full of gravel.

Berean Standard Bible

Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 20:17 is a profound warning against the deceptive allure of ill-gotten gains, illustrating that while dishonest acquisition may initially taste pleasant, it inevitably leads to a bitter and painful outcome. This proverb vividly contrasts the fleeting gratification of unrighteousness with the enduring suffering it brings, emphasizing the inescapable consequences of moral compromise and the ultimate futility of pursuing wealth or satisfaction through deceitful means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 20:17 is situated within a larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), which are characterized by their concise, antithetical, or comparative statements designed to impart wisdom for daily living. This particular verse stands as a self-contained unit, yet it resonates with the broader themes of justice, honesty, and the consequences of moral choices that permeate the book. It follows proverbs concerning the deceitfulness of man (Proverbs 20:6), the integrity of the righteous (Proverbs 20:7), and the importance of just weights and measures (Proverbs 20:10), all of which underscore the value of truthfulness and integrity in contrast to the dangers of deceit. The imagery of food and eating is common in Proverbs to represent life's sustenance, pleasures, or consequences, as seen in warnings against gluttony or the delights of wisdom (e.g., [Proverbs 23:1-3](/proverbs/23-1 "Proverbs 23:1-3 - Warnings Against Gluttony") or [Proverbs 9:5](/proverbs/9-5 "Proverbs 9:5 - Wisdom's Invitation")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, "bread" (lechem) was the staple of life, symbolizing sustenance, livelihood, and prosperity. The act of eating together also carried significant social and covenantal implications. Dishonesty, particularly in commerce (e.g., through false weights or usury), was a pervasive temptation and a frequent target of prophetic condemnation (e.g., [Amos 8:5-6](/amos/8-5 "Amos 8:5-6 - Oppression of the Poor")). The proverb reflects a society where economic transactions were often direct and personal, making the impact of deceit immediately felt within the community. The concept of "gravel" in the mouth would have been a visceral image of extreme discomfort and inability to enjoy food, perhaps even suggesting a form of physical punishment or the defilement of one's very means of sustenance, akin to eating dirt or stones. This cultural understanding amplifies the proverb's warning about the defiling and destructive nature of ill-gotten gain.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several key themes found throughout the wisdom literature. Firstly, it highlights the **deceptive nature of sin**, where immediate gratification ("sweet") masks ultimate destruction ("gravel"). Secondly, it underscores the principle of **retributive justice** or **natural consequences**, asserting that actions, particularly dishonest ones, inevitably lead to corresponding unpleasant outcomes. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that [what one sows, one will also reap](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping"). Thirdly, it emphasizes the **importance of integrity and honesty** as foundational virtues, contrasting them with the fleeting and ultimately destructive path of deceit. The proverb implicitly teaches that true and lasting prosperity is found not in quick, dishonest gains but in righteous living and diligent, honest labor, a theme echoed in passages like [Proverbs 13:11](/proverbs/13-11 "Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth from Dishonesty vs. Labor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bread (Hebrew, _lechem'_ H3899):** From a root meaning "to fight" or "to eat," this word primarily refers to food, especially bread, or grain for making it. In this context, "bread" symbolizes sustenance, livelihood, or gain. The phrase "bread of deceit" thus refers to gain or provision acquired through dishonest means, emphasizing that the very source of one's sustenance is tainted by falsehood.
* **Deceit (Hebrew, _sheqer'_ H8267):** Derived from a root meaning "to lie" or "to deal falsely," this word signifies an untruth, falsehood, or sham. When paired with "bread," it describes the nature of the acquisition: it is based on lies, fraud, or dishonesty. It highlights the inherent moral corruption of the means by which the "bread" is obtained.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _ʻârêb'_ H6156):** From a root meaning "to be pleasant" or "to be agreeable," this word describes the initial sensation or appeal. It captures the immediate gratification, ease, or pleasure associated with achieving a goal through dishonest shortcuts. It suggests that the "bread of deceit" is alluring and tempting, offering a seemingly desirable outcome without the effort or integrity required for honest gain.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mâlêʼ'_ H4390):** This primitive root means "to fill" or "to be full of," often in a wide application, literally and figuratively. Here, it emphasizes the completeness and unavoidable nature of the consequence. The mouth will not just taste gravel, but be *filled* with it, indicating an overwhelming, inescapable, and pervasive discomfort or pain.
* **Gravel (Hebrew, _châtsâts'_ H2687):** From a root meaning "to cut" or "to divide," this word refers to something cutting, hence gravel or grit. The imagery of one's mouth being filled with gravel is profoundly unpleasant and painful. It symbolizes the harsh, abrasive, and indigestible consequences that inevitably follow dishonest gain—regret, shame, loss, ruin, or spiritual emptiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Bread of deceit is sweet to a man":** This clause introduces the initial appeal of dishonest gain. "Bread of deceit" refers to any benefit or advantage acquired through lies, fraud, or unethical means. The word "sweet" vividly portrays the immediate gratification, ease, or pleasure that such ill-gotten gains might offer, making them tempting and desirable in the short term. It speaks to the human propensity to seek shortcuts or immediate gratification, even if it means compromising integrity.
* **"but afterwards":** This crucial temporal phrase introduces a stark contrast and a shift in consequence. It signals that the initial "sweetness" is not the end of the story; there is an inevitable future outcome that must be considered. This highlights the long-term perspective of wisdom, contrasting with the short-sightedness of folly.
* **"his mouth shall be filled with gravel":** This powerful metaphor describes the inevitable and painful consequence of partaking in the "bread of deceit." "Gravel" represents something harsh, abrasive, indigestible, and utterly unpleasant. To have one's mouth "filled" with it signifies an overwhelming, inescapable, and deeply uncomfortable experience. It symbolizes the bitter regret, shame, loss of reputation, broken relationships, legal repercussions, or spiritual emptiness that ultimately result from dishonesty, rendering any initial "sweetness" utterly worthless.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 20:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its warning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where "bread of deceit" represents ill-gotten gains or dishonest acquisition, and "gravel" symbolizes the bitter, painful, and indigestible consequences. This creates a vivid sensory image, contrasting the pleasant taste of bread with the harshness of stones. The proverb also uses **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, setting the initial "sweet" experience against the ultimate "gravel-filled" outcome. This stark opposition highlights the deceptive nature of sin and the inevitability of its negative repercussions. Furthermore, the imagery of the "mouth" being filled with gravel is a form of **Synecdoche**, where the mouth represents the entire person's experience of consumption and enjoyment, indicating that the entire life or well-being of the one who practices deceit will be corrupted and made miserable. The proverb's concise structure and memorable imagery also contribute to its effectiveness as a piece of **wisdom literature**, designed to be easily recalled and applied.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 20:17 profoundly articulates the biblical principle that actions have consequences, particularly concerning moral integrity. It is a testament to God's moral order in the universe, where even if immediate human justice is not served, the inherent nature of sin carries its own bitter fruit. The proverb teaches that God's design for human flourishing is rooted in truth and righteousness, and any deviation from this path, however appealing it may seem initially, ultimately leads to self-inflicted harm and spiritual emptiness. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative of a just God who rewards righteousness and judges wickedness, often allowing the natural consequences of sin to serve as a form of divine discipline or revelation of its true nature.

* [Proverbs 1:19](/proverbs/1-19 "Proverbs 1:19 - The End of the Greedy")
* [Job 20:12-14](/job/20-12 "Job 20:12-14 - The Sweetness of Wickedness and Its Bitter End")
* [Romans 6:21](/romans/6-21 "Romans 6:21 - The End of Sinful Practices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 20:17 serves as a timeless and urgent warning for every individual navigating the complexities of life. In a world often driven by the pursuit of quick gains, material success, or social status, the temptation to cut corners, misrepresent the truth, or engage in dishonest practices can be incredibly alluring. This proverb reminds us that such "bread of deceit," while seemingly sweet and easy at first, carries an inevitable and painful cost. Whether in financial dealings, academic integrity, professional ethics, or personal relationships, choosing the path of dishonesty ultimately leads to a mouth "filled with gravel"—a metaphor for regret, shame, lost trust, legal repercussions, spiritual emptiness, and a life devoid of genuine peace and fulfillment. True and lasting satisfaction, therefore, is not found in what is acquired through deceit, but in the integrity of one's character and the righteousness of one's actions, trusting that God's way, though sometimes seemingly harder, always leads to true and enduring blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to seek "bread of deceit" for immediate gratification or perceived advantage?**
* **What are some specific "gravel" consequences I have observed or experienced, either personally or through others, as a result of dishonesty?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper commitment to integrity and patience, trusting in God's provision rather than resorting to dishonest shortcuts?**
* **What steps can I take today to ensure my "bread" is earned honestly and brings true nourishment, not bitterness?**

### FAQ
**What does "bread of deceit" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: "Bread of deceit" refers to any gain, sustenance, or benefit acquired through dishonest, fraudulent, or unethical means. It symbolizes wealth, success, or satisfaction that is not earned through integrity but through lies, trickery, or moral compromise. The term "bread" signifies what sustains a person, highlighting that the very foundation of their livelihood or perceived well-being is tainted by falsehood. It's a warning against the allure of ill-gotten gains that promise an easy path or immediate reward but are fundamentally corrupt.

**What is the significance of "gravel" in the mouth?**

Answer: The imagery of "gravel" in the mouth is a powerful metaphor for the harsh, painful, and utterly unpleasant consequences that inevitably follow the initial "sweetness" of dishonest gain. Unlike nourishing bread, gravel is indigestible, abrasive, and causes extreme discomfort. It symbolizes the bitter regret, shame, loss of reputation, broken relationships, legal troubles, spiritual emptiness, or divine judgment that ultimately befalls those who live by deceit. It signifies that what seemed appealing at first will ultimately bring ruin and profound dissatisfaction, making it impossible to truly enjoy any ill-gotten "bread." This consequence is often portrayed as an inescapable reality, as seen in other proverbs about the [end of the wicked](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - A Way That Seems Right").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 20:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between the world's deceptive promises and the genuine, life-giving truth embodied by Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against the "bread of deceit" that leads to "gravel," Christ presents Himself as the [true "Bread of Life"](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life") who offers eternal satisfaction and never leads to disappointment. Humanity, in its fallen state, often seeks fulfillment through deceptive means, pursuing worldly pleasures, power, or wealth that promise sweetness but ultimately deliver emptiness and pain, much like the gravel described. However, Jesus, by His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, has provided the only true sustenance for the soul, offering [forgiveness of sins](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood") and [eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life"). He did not gain His kingdom through deceit but through humble obedience and self-sacrifice, ultimately conquering sin and death. Therefore, turning to Christ means rejecting the world's "bread of deceit" and embracing the spiritual nourishment He provides, which brings not temporary sweetness followed by bitterness, but enduring joy, peace, and abundant life, as He promised in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 9:17

Stolen waters are sweet, and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant.

Proverbs 9:18

But he knoweth not that the dead [are] there; [and that] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Rejoice, 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 11:25

Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

Lamentations 3:15

He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood.

Lamentations 3:16

He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes.

Job 20:12

Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, [though] he hide it under his tongue;