Proverbs 9:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Stolen {H1589} waters {H4325} are sweet {H4985}, and bread {H3899} eaten in secret {H5643} is pleasant {H5276}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 9:17 presents the deceptive and alluring invitation of Lady Folly, who entices the simple with the promise that "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant." This verse encapsulates the seductive nature of sin, portraying forbidden acts as uniquely desirable and enjoyable precisely because they are illicit and concealed. It serves as a stark warning within the broader wisdom literature, exposing the superficial appeal of transgression that ultimately leads to destruction, contrasting sharply with the life-giving invitation of Lady Wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 9 stands as the climactic chapter of the introductory section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9), which primarily serves as a parental address to a son, urging him to embrace wisdom and reject folly. This chapter vividly personifies Wisdom and Folly as two women, each issuing an invitation. Lady Wisdom builds her house, prepares a lavish feast, and sends out her maidens to call the simple and those lacking understanding to find life, knowledge, and discernment ([Proverbs 9:1-6](/proverbs/9-1 "Proverbs 9:1-6 - Lady Wisdom's Invitation")). In direct contrast, Lady Folly is loud, ignorant, and sits at her door, calling out to passersby with deceptive promises. Verse 17 articulates the core of Folly's enticing, yet ultimately destructive, message, setting the stage for the grim reality revealed in [Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - The Consequences of Folly's Path"), where it is revealed that her guests are actually in the depths of Sheol.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, wisdom was highly prized and often personified, as seen in Egyptian and Mesopotamian texts. The imagery of a woman inviting guests to her home for a meal was a common social construct, making the allegories of Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly relatable. "Stolen waters" often served as a metaphor for illicit sexual relations, particularly adultery, which was a significant social and moral concern in Israelite society, as evidenced by the numerous warnings against it throughout Proverbs (e.g., [Proverbs 5:15-20](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15-20 - Fidelity in Marriage")). The concept of "secret" acts also resonates with the cultural emphasis on honor and shame; hidden transgressions might evade immediate public scrutiny but would still carry internal guilt and divine judgment. The setting of a city gate or house entrance where women might call out to passersby was a familiar urban scene.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Proverbs. It underscores **The Deceptive Allure of Sin**, highlighting how transgression, when presented by Folly, is made to appear incredibly attractive and satisfying. The imagery of "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret" speaks to the perceived sweetness and excitement of forbidden acts, especially when done covertly. This resonates with the universal theme of **Forbidden Fruit**, where that which is off-limits often seems more desirable, echoing the temptation narrative in [Genesis 3:6](/genesis/3-6 "Genesis 3:6 - The Temptation in Eden"). Furthermore, the phrase "eaten in secret" emphasizes the theme of **Secrecy and Shame** associated with illicit activities; sin often thrives in darkness, promising a private pleasure that avoids public scrutiny, yet ultimately breeding guilt and spiritual decay. Finally, the verse exposes the theme of **False Satisfaction**, revealing that the "sweetness" and "pleasantness" offered by Folly are superficial and fleeting, leading not to true life but to emptiness, destruction, and death ([Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stolen (Hebrew, _gânab'_):** Derived from H1589, a primitive root meaning "to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive." In this context, it emphasizes that the "waters" are acquired unlawfully, through illicit means, or by deception. The very act of being "stolen" imbues them with a forbidden thrill, suggesting a pleasure that comes from transgression.
* **Waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_):** From H4325, typically meaning "water." In Proverbs, "waters" often serve as a metaphor for wisdom, life, or, as in this context, sexual intimacy. "Stolen waters" is a common biblical idiom for illicit sexual relations, particularly adultery, as seen in [Proverbs 5:15](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15 - Drink from Your Own Cistern"). Here, it represents any forbidden pleasure or illicit gain.
* **Secret (Hebrew, _çêther'_):** From H5643, meaning "a cover (in a good or a bad, a literal or a figurative sense); hiding place, privily, protection." In this verse, it denotes concealment, privacy, or clandestineness. The "bread eaten in secret" suggests that the pleasure is enhanced by its hidden nature, avoiding exposure and the immediate consequences of public disapproval or divine judgment. This secrecy, however, is a hallmark of sin, which prefers darkness to light.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Stolen waters are sweet":** This clause presents the initial, deceptive appeal of forbidden acts. "Stolen waters" is a powerful metaphor for illicit pleasure, most commonly understood as sexual infidelity, but broadly applicable to any gain or experience obtained through dishonest or immoral means. The declaration that they "are sweet" highlights the immediate, sensory gratification and intense desirability that Folly promises. This sweetness is not inherent to the act itself, but rather a perceived enhancement due to its forbidden nature and the thrill of transgression. It speaks to the human propensity to crave what is off-limits.
* **"and bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant":** This parallel clause reinforces the first, extending the metaphor to "bread," which represents sustenance, livelihood, or general provision. The phrase "eaten in secret" emphasizes the clandestine nature of the illicit activity. The "pleasantness" here mirrors the "sweetness" of the stolen waters, suggesting that the hiddenness of the act adds to its perceived enjoyment. Sin often thrives in the shadows, promising a private pleasure that avoids accountability and public shame. This secrecy, however, is a snare, as it isolates the transgressor and often leads to deeper entanglement and eventual exposure.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 9:17 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message. **Personification** is central, as Lady Folly is depicted as a seductive woman who speaks and invites, making abstract concepts of sin and temptation tangible and relatable. The phrases "stolen waters" and "bread eaten in secret" function as **metaphors**, with "waters" and "bread" representing various forms of gratification or gain, and "stolen" and "in secret" signifying their illicit and hidden nature. There is also a strong element of **irony** at play; what Folly presents as "sweet" and "pleasant" is, in reality, deadly. The immediate gratification is contrasted with the ultimate, devastating consequences revealed in the very next verse ([Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - The Path to Sheol")), creating a dramatic tension and warning. The **parallelism** between the two clauses ("stolen waters are sweet" and "bread eaten in secret is pleasant") reinforces the message, using synonymous ideas to emphasize the deceptive nature of sin's allure and its hidden operations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 9:17 reveals a profound theological truth about the nature of sin: it is inherently deceptive, presenting itself as desirable and satisfying, especially when shrouded in secrecy and transgression. This verse underscores the spiritual battle for the heart, where the immediate, fleeting pleasure of disobedience vies against the lasting, true satisfaction found in God's wisdom and righteousness. The "sweetness" and "pleasantness" are a mirage, a temporary sensory experience that masks a deeper spiritual emptiness and ultimate destruction. Theologically, it highlights humanity's fallen inclination towards forbidden things, a desire rooted in the original temptation to seek knowledge and pleasure outside of God's prescribed boundaries. It warns against the allure of illicit gain and hidden wrongdoing, emphasizing that what seems attractive in the moment carries eternal consequences.

* [Proverbs 20:17](/proverbs/20-17 "Proverbs 20:17 - Bread of Deceit")
* [James 1:14-15](/james/1-14 "James 1:14-15 - The Progression of Sin")
* [Hebrews 11:25](/hebrews/11-25 "Hebrews 11:25 - Choosing Affliction Over Fleeting Pleasures")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 9:17 serves as a timeless warning against the subtle and enticing invitations to sin that permeate our lives. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate gratification and perceived sweetness of forbidden acts to discern their true, destructive nature. In a world saturated with temptations, this verse reminds us that anything that promises pleasure outside of God's design, especially that which thrives in secrecy, is a trap. True wisdom calls us to resist the deceptive allure of instant gratification and to embrace the path of integrity and obedience, which, though sometimes challenging, leads to genuine and lasting life. We are called to cultivate a heart that delights in God's law, finding true satisfaction in His presence and His ways, rather than in the fleeting, ultimately bitter, pleasures of sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "stolen waters" or "secret bread" might Lady Folly be offering in my life today, and how do they appear "sweet" or "pleasant"?**
* **How does the desire for secrecy often accompany sinful desires, and what does this reveal about the nature of sin?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of pursuing fleeting, forbidden pleasures, as opposed to the lasting satisfaction found in God's wisdom?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater discernment to recognize the deceptive invitations of Folly and choose the path of Wisdom?**

### FAQ
**What is the deeper meaning of "stolen waters" in this proverb?**

Answer: While "waters" can generally refer to sustenance or life, in the context of Proverbs, "stolen waters" is a well-established metaphor for illicit sexual relations, particularly adultery. For example, [Proverbs 5:15](/proverbs/5-15 "Proverbs 5:15 - Be Faithful to Your Wife") explicitly uses "Drink waters out of thine own cistern" to advocate for marital fidelity. Therefore, Lady Folly's invitation to "stolen waters" is primarily an enticement to sexual immorality, highlighting its forbidden thrill. However, it can also be interpreted more broadly to encompass any illicit gain or pleasure obtained through dishonest or immoral means, emphasizing the perceived sweetness of breaking boundaries.

**Why is "bread eaten in secret" considered "pleasant"?**

Answer: The "pleasantness" of "bread eaten in secret" lies in the allure of forbidden acts performed clandestinely. Secrecy often adds to the perceived thrill of transgression, as it suggests avoiding detection, judgment, and immediate consequences. It appeals to a desire for private gratification outside of public scrutiny or moral accountability. However, this secrecy is a deceptive charm, as it isolates the individual and often leads to deeper entanglement in sin, ultimately breeding shame, guilt, and spiritual death, as [Proverbs 9:18](/proverbs/9-18 "Proverbs 9:18 - Folly's Guests are in Sheol") makes clear.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 9:17, with its portrayal of Lady Folly's deceptive allure, finds its ultimate fulfillment and counter-narrative in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Folly offers "stolen waters" and "secret bread"—fleeting, illicit pleasures that promise satisfaction but lead to death. In contrast, Jesus declares Himself to be the true source of living water and the bread of life. He invites all who are thirsty to come to Him and drink, promising that those who believe in Him will never thirst again ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")). He also proclaims, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus the Bread of Life")). Unlike Folly's hidden and ultimately destructive feast, Christ's invitation is open, transparent, and leads to eternal life. He exposes the darkness and deception of sin, bringing all things into the light ([John 3:19-21](/john/3-19 "John 3:19-21 - Light and Darkness")), and offers a satisfaction that is not fleeting but eternal, a joy found in truth and righteousness rather than in forbidden transgression. The "sweetness" of sin is a lie, but the grace of Christ is truly sweet, leading to abundant life ([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 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.