Proverbs 20:17 web — Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

World English Bible

"Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel."

— Proverbs 20:17, World English Bible

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Proverbs 20:17 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 20 — Context

14

"It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when he is gone his way, then he boasts.

15

There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

16

Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold him in pledge for a wayward woman.

17

Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.

18

Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

19

He who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with him who opens wide his lips.

20

Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

Proverbs 20:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 20:17 say?
Proverbs 20:17 in the World English Bible reads: “Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.”
Where is Proverbs 20:17 in the Bible?
Proverbs 20:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 20, verse 17.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 20:17.
What translation should I read Proverbs 20:17 in?
Proverbs 20:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 20:17?
Proverbs 20:17 reads (WEB): “Fraudulent food is sweet to a man, but afterwards his mouth is filled with gravel.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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