Proverbs 9:17 kjva — Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.

King James Version with Apocrypha

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

— Proverbs 9:17, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

Proverbs 9:17 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 9 — Context

14

For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15

To call passengers who go right on their ways:

16

Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,

17

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

18

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

Proverbs 9:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 9:17 say?
Proverbs 9:17 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
Where is Proverbs 9:17 in the Bible?
Proverbs 9:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 9, 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 9:17.
What translation should I read Proverbs 9:17 in?
Proverbs 9:17 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 9:17?
Proverbs 9:17 reads (KJVA): “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 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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