Proverbs 20:17  Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 

This verse warns that short-term pleasure from dishonesty and deceitful gain leads to long-term suffering. Deceitful gain, dishonest profit, or unearned pleasure may seem appealing and enjoyable initially.

Examples include: Cheating to gain wealth, using lies or manipulation to achieve personal advantage and enjoying forbidden pleasures (sins).

“The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death” (21:6). “They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity” (Hosea 7:2). Sinful or dishonest gain may be temporarily satisfying, but it is deceptive and unstable.

‘But afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.’ The sweetness is temporary; the ultimate result is bitterness, pain, and destruction. ‘Gravel’ symbolises hardship, punishment, or regret, replacing the initial pleasure. Consequences of deceitful gain: Loss of reputation and trust. Financial or social ruin. Spiritual guilt and moral corruption. The main principle is that actions motivated by deceit ultimately turn joy into suffering.

Avoid deceitful means of acquiring wealth or pleasure. Seek honesty, integrity, and God-honouring labour, even if the reward seems slower. Recognise that instant gratification from wrongdoing is temporary, but consequences are enduring.

What seems sweet and easy through deceit will turn bitter and painful. True satisfaction comes from honest, God-honouring effort and integrity.