Proverbs 20:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Gains obtained through deception seem pleasant at first but leave bitterness and suffering in their wake.
The Context of Proverbs 20:17
Proverbs contrasts the immediate appeal of dishonest gain with its lasting bitter consequences.
What Does Proverbs 20:17 Mean?
Bread obtained through deceit tastes sweet in the moment. The ill-gotten gain or achieved deception brings immediate pleasure—the satisfaction of having gotten away with something or gained advantage through cunning. The initial experience is satisfying.
Yet afterward comes bitter consequence. The mouth that enjoyed deception's sweetness fills with gravel—something hard, indigestible, and painful. The metaphor captures the way deceptive gain eventually becomes a source of bitterness, difficulty, and suffering. The pleasure is temporary; the pain is lasting.
Proverbs 20:17 in the Original Language
'Gravel' (חֶצֶץ, chetz) — small stones; a harsh substance that causes pain when consumed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 20:17
What does Proverbs 20:17 mean?
Gains obtained through deception seem pleasant at first but leave bitterness and suffering in their wake.
What is the context of Proverbs 20:17?
Proverbs contrasts the immediate appeal of dishonest gain with its lasting bitter consequences.