Food gained by fraud is sweet to a man, but later his mouth is full of gravel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 20:17? 2. How does Proverbs 20:17 warn against deceitful gain in our daily lives? 3. What are the consequences of deceitful actions according to Proverbs 20:17? 4. How does Proverbs 20:17 connect with the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal"? 5. In what ways can we ensure our gains are honest and God-honoring? 6. How can Proverbs 20:17 guide us in resisting the temptation of deceit? 7. What does Proverbs 20:17 mean by "bread gained by deceit"? 8. How does Proverbs 20:17 relate to the concept of honesty in business? 9. Why does Proverbs 20:17 compare deceitful gain to "gravel" in the mouth? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 20? 11. What does 'Stolen Water is Sweet' mean? 12. What does "Stolen Water is Sweet" mean? 13. Proverbs 9:17 suggests stolen water is sweet. Does this imply that forbidden acts have inherent appeal, and how does this reconcile with other passages condemning theft? 14. Proverbs 9:13-18 presents Folly as another woman calling out to the naive. Why rely on personification instead of providing concrete historical or scientific validations for these moral teachings? Discussion Questions 1. How does the metaphor of "gravel in the mouth" help us understand the consequences of deceitful actions?2. In what ways can immediate gratification tempt us to compromise our integrity, and how can we guard against it? 3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7, relate to the message of Proverbs 20:17? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we are living with integrity in our daily lives? 5. How can we encourage others in our community to value honesty and integrity over temporary gains?1. How can the advice in Proverbs 20:1 about wine and strong drink be applied in today's context of substance abuse? 2. How do verses 2-3 illustrate the importance of self-control and discernment? 3. How can you practically "draw out" the deep water of counsel in your heart as mentioned in verse 5? 4. In verse 6, it states that a faithful person is hard to find. How does this challenge you in your relationships? 5. In what ways can you ensure your business or work dealings are honest and pleasing to God, as instructed in verse 10? 6. How does the warning against the love of sleep in verse 13 apply to our modern concept of work ethic? 7. How do verses 12-13 emphasize the connection between the physical senses and wisdom? 8. How can you apply the advice against engaging in gossip or unwholesome talk in verse 19 in your daily life? 9. How do verses 20-21 underscore the importance of respecting parents and the repercussions of not doing so? 10. How does the idea of "man's steps are from the LORD" in verse 24 guide your understanding of life's unpredictable turns? 11. How does verse 30, which talks about punishment bringing wisdom, change your perspective on personal growth and discipline? 12. How do the themes in this chapter relate to the challenges you're currently facing in life? 13. Which verse resonated the most with you and why? 14. How can the principles outlined in this chapter help you make ethical decisions in your life? 15. In what ways do the wisdom teachings in Proverbs 20 apply to the ethical issues of our modern society? 16. How can the teachings on honesty and integrity in Proverbs 20 guide you in your relationships? 17. What insights do you glean from this chapter about God's sovereignty in human affairs? 18. How can this chapter's teachings on wisdom and understanding influence your career or personal aspirations? 19. How do the themes of consequences and retribution resonate with your personal experiences? 20. How can you practically live out the wisdom teachings in Proverbs 20 in your daily life? Links Proverbs 20:17 NIVProverbs 20:17 NLT Proverbs 20:17 ESV Proverbs 20:17 NASB Proverbs 20:17 KJV Proverbs 20:17 Commentaries Bible Hub |



