Proverbs 20:17
Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.
In context
14 “It’s no good, it’s no good!” says the buyer— then goes off and boasts about the purchase. 15 Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who puts up security for a stranger; hold it in pledge if it is done for an outsider.
17 Food gained by fraud tastes sweet, but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel. 18 Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance. 19 A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much. 20 If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 20:17 in the KJV
Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 20:17 in the ESV
Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.