What does "stolen water" symbolize in Proverbs 9:17? Setting the Passage Proverbs 9 contrasts Wisdom and Folly, each portrayed as a woman inviting passers-by to a meal. Folly’s invitation climaxes in verse 17: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” Understanding the Image of Water in Proverbs • Water often pictures intimate satisfaction or life-giving refreshment (Proverbs 5:15-18; Songs 4:15). • When used rightly—within God’s design—it blesses and nourishes. • When misused or “stolen,” it becomes a metaphor for illicit or forbidden pleasure. Why “Stolen” Matters • “Stolen” implies crossing a boundary the Lord has clearly drawn (Exodus 20:15). • The sweetness is real but temporary; it masks rebellion against God. • Hidden consumption (“in secret”) signals shame and the desire to avoid accountability (John 3:20). Layers of Meaning • Immediate moral level: sexual immorality—enjoyment of intimacy outside covenant marriage (Proverbs 5:3-8). • Broader ethical level: any pleasure obtained outside God’s ordained means—dishonesty, financial shortcuts, substance abuse. • Spiritual level: attempting to satisfy the soul with counterfeit “water” rather than the Lord’s living water (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:13-14). The Bitter End Verse 18 follows immediately: “But they do not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.” • The sweetness fades; consequences remain. • Sin’s hidden path leads to spiritual death (Romans 6:23; James 1:14-15). New Testament Echoes • Jesus offers “living water” that forever satisfies (John 4:10; 7:37-38). • Believers are urged to “walk as children of light” and expose deeds of darkness (Ephesians 5:8-11). Takeaway for Believers Today • Evaluate appetites: Am I seeking satisfaction through shortcuts God forbids? • Remember stolen water promises delight but delivers destruction. • Choose Wisdom’s banquet—a life openly enjoyed under God’s blessing, leading to lasting joy and eternal life. |
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