17 Bread of deceit [1] is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel.

18 Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.

19 He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth [2] with his lips.

20 Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp [3] shall be put out in obscure darkness.

21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.

Other Translations of Proverbs 20:17-21

New International Version

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.

21 An inheritance claimed too soon will not be blessed at the end.

English Standard Version

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war.

19 Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips

20 If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.

The Message

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is full of gravel.

18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.

19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.

20 Anyone who curses father and mother extinguishes light and exists benighted. The Very Steps We Take

21 A bonanza at the beginning is no guarantee of blessing at the end.

New King James Version

17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.

18 Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war.

19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips.

20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, His lamp will be put out in deep darkness.

21 An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning Will not be blessed at the end.

New Living Translation

17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but it turns to gravel in the mouth.

18 Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice.

19 A gossip goes around telling secrets, so don't hang around with chatterers.

20 If you insult your father or mother, your light will be snuffed out in total darkness.

21 An inheritance obtained too early in life is not a blessing in the end.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 20:17-21

Commentary on Proverbs 20:17

(Read Proverbs 20:17)

Wealth gotten by fraud may be sweet, for the carnal mind takes pleasure in the success of wicked devices; but it will be bitter in the reflection.

Commentary on Proverbs 20:18

(Read Proverbs 20:18)

Especially we need advice in spiritual warfare. The word and Spirit of God are the best counsellors in every point.

Commentary on Proverbs 20:19

(Read Proverbs 20:19)

Those dearly buy their own praise, who put confidence in a man because he speaks fairly.

Commentary on Proverbs 20:20

(Read Proverbs 20:20)

An undutiful child will become very miserable. Never let him expect any peace or comfort.

Commentary on Proverbs 20:21

(Read Proverbs 20:21)

An estate suddenly raised, is often as suddenly ruined.