The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and advice for living a godly life. Proverbs 9:17 states “Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious!” This proverb is warning against the temptation to find pleasure in forbidden things.
At first glance, stolen water and secret food seem more exciting precisely because they are off-limits. The idea is that we tend to romanticize and desire that which we cannot have. However, the book of Proverbs regularly advises against giving in to these temptations, which often lead to pain and destruction down the road.
Some key points about this proverb:
- It is speaking about stolen water and secret food from an earthly perspective, not considering the spiritual implications.
- There is a natural temptation to desire that which is forbidden.
- These forbidden pleasures appear sweet and delicious at first.
- However, they ultimately lead to pain, suffering and separation from God.
This proverb is a warning not to be deceived by desires for forbidden pleasures or “stolen waters.” At first, they may seem exciting, but this is an illusion. Lasting joy and fulfillment only come through obeying God and finding contentment in what He provides.
1. The alluring nature of forbidden fruit
Why does stolen water seem sweet? This proverb recognizes that there is something innately desirable about that which is off-limits or forbidden. When God places boundaries on certain behaviors and activities, it can make them even more enticing to our human natures.
We see this proven true in the Garden of Eden, where God forbade Adam and Eve to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:16-17). Yet Eve was tempted by the serpent’s insistence that the fruit would make her wise like God. She saw that it was delightful and desirable (Genesis 3:6). The forbidden fruit took on an allure precisely because God had prohibited it.
Today, we may be tempted to sneak a cookie before dinner, cheat on a test, tell a white lie, or indulge in lustful thoughts. These “forbidden waters” can seem pleasurable because they involve some level of excitement, risk, and instant gratification of fleshly impulses. However, just as in Eden, giving in to these temptations leads only to spiritual death and separation from God.
2. Momentary pleasure versus lasting fulfillment
Stolen waters may be sweet for a fleeting moment, but they do not ultimately satisfy our deeper spiritual longings. Engaging in sinful behavior may provide a brief thrill or feeling of happiness. However, it is temporary and superficial.
In contrast, obeying God and living within His will brings lasting contentment and joy. As Psalm 16:11 declares, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The Boundaries God has given are good and for our protection, even when our fallen nature fights against them.
This truth is echoed in other Proverbs as well. For example, Proverbs 13:19 states, “A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.” While giving into temptation is momentarily pleasant, wise and righteous living results in genuine, lasting reward.
3. The deceitfulness of sin
This proverb also teaches that sin is deceptive. What may appear fun, exciting or pleasing at first glance will ultimately lead to pain and destruction if outside of God’s will. Proverbs 23:31-32 warns, “Do not look at wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.”
The temptation is to fixate on the sparkle, the smooth taste, while ignoring the impending bite. In the same way, stolen waters and secret foods seem thrilling in the moment as we indulge physical appetites and ignore God’s commands. Yet we cannot break God’s law without consequence.
As humans, our judgment is clouded. We do not see the full picture and are prone to short-term thinking. That is why we need the wisdom of Proverbs to remind us that sin’s pleasures are illusory, while only God’s way brings joy and wholeness.
4. There are no secret sins before God
A key aspect of this proverb is that the forbidden pleasures are done in secret. However, God sees all. Nothing can be hidden from the Lord, who knows the secrets of every heart and deed done in darkness (Psalm 139:11-12). This is a powerful caution against believing we can get away with secret sins that no one knows about.
In fact, Moses told the Israelites that the secret things belong to the Lord (Deuteronomy 29:29). Jesus repeats this truth in Luke 8:17, saying “For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.”
Living in openness and honesty before God is far better than sneaking around in futile hopes of covering up any thought, word or action outside of His will. This ties also to the importance of confession, repentance and seeking forgiveness when we do stumble.
5. Guard your heart
Since our hearts are prone to temptation, Proverbs 4:23 advises that we must diligently guard our hearts from our own deceitful desires. James 1:14 explains the temptation process this way: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” Our tendencies toward selfishness and sin manifest in temptations.
We live in a fallen world filled with “forbidden fruit” at every turn. Advertising, social media and pop culture constantly assault us with worldly messages about instant gratification and carnal pleasures. The wise Christian will set up strong defenses to resist this influence of the world, our own flesh and the devil.
It takes determined self-discipline to reject the “stolen waters” dangled in front of us, whether that refers to lust, anger, greed, dishonesty or any other sin. But God in His mercy understands this struggle. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
6. Focus on righteous living
Rather than obsessing over prohibited behaviors, Christians are called to actively pursue righteousness. Colossians 3:1-2 instructs: “Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
It is human nature to dwell on forbidden desires. But we must train our focus away from sinful temptations and onto that which is honorable, right and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). The more we fill our hearts and minds with godly virtues, the less room there will be for deceitful lusts.
Furthermore, we can avoid much temptation and deception by heeding the wisdom passed down through Scripture. God’s commands are good. As Psalm 19:7-8 declares: “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.”
7. There are consequences for disobedience
Why does giving into secret sins seem pleasurable in the moment but lead to pain in the long run? Because God enforces consequences for going against His natural laws and moral edicts. Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”
For example, sexual promiscuity may provide temporary fulfillment of lusts but often results in damaged relationships, unplanned pregnancies, sexual diseases or chronic discontentment. Lying brings short-term relief but ultimately creates distrust. Anger feels empowering for a moment but plants seeds of resentment, conflict and isolation.
In the next life, there are eternal consequences for sins as well. Those who make peace with God through Christ Jesus have had their offenses forgiven. But those who reject Christ face eternal separation from God. The pleasures of sin have an immense cost when we face judgment before the all-knowing, all-holy Creator.
8. God offers greater pleasures
Not only are the pleasures of sin fleeting and deceptive, but they are also inferior to the joy found in following God. Psalm 16:11 says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Being in harmony with our Creator fills our spiritual longings in a way worldly pursuits never can.
Jesus offered the woman at the well “living water” – eternal spiritual life that would quench her thirst in a way earthly water never could (John 4:13-14). Similarly, He is the bread of life who alone provides lasting satisfaction (John 6:35). The abundant life is found in Christ, not sin.
Furthermore, God actually wants us to experience pleasure and delight – as we appreciate His good gifts within appropriate boundaries. “For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory” (Psalm 149:4). His will includes blessings of joyous relationships, honest work, wholesome recreation and contentment in Him.
9. Turn from sin and turn to God
How should a Christian respond when tempted by “stolen waters” that seem sweet? We must turn to God and allow Him to change our desires. James 1:14-15 goes on to explain: “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Therefore, we must reject sinful desires in their infancy, before they have a chance to “give birth.” Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” As we fill our minds with God’s truth, our desires change. The sinful temptations lose their grip as we focus on eternity rather than temporary gratification.
Psalm 34:8 invites, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” While stolen water may appear sweet, the living water offered by Christ Himself far surpasses anything this world offers. When we trust in Him, He fills the deep longings of our souls and gives us strength to resist deceitful desires.
10. Walk in the Spirit
How do we actually access this power over sin’s temptation? Galatians 5:16 explains the key is to “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” When we are filled and led by God’s Spirit, our thoughts and longings change. We become focused on pleasing God rather than satisfying natural appetites.
When tempted, we can pause to pray and meditate on Scripture. We can ask God to renew our minds and align our thoughts with His truth. As Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” His Spirit cleanses us from sinful ways and provides grace to resist temptation.
Furthermore, walking in the Spirit involves active obedience to God’s word. As James 4:7 advises: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Resisting temptation begins with submission and commitment to following Christ every day, empowered by the Holy Spirit at work within us.
Conclusion
Proverbs 9:17 provides a warning not to be deceived by the temporary delights of sin, stealing waters that only lead to death. As fallen humans, we are easily tempted by forbidden desires that seem pleasing in the moment. However, we must trust the wisdom of Scripture that obedience to God brings lasting joy and abundance, while pursuing sinful pleasures results in pain, destruction and separation from God. Wise Christians will focus their minds and hearts on righteous living with the help of the Holy Spirit, rather than fixating on prohibited behaviors. God wants us to delight in Him as the only source that can truly satisfy our souls.