Proverbs 20:17-19

The Message

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

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

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

Proverbs 20:17-19

New International Version

¹⁷Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,^(A)
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.^(B)

¹⁸Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.^(C)

¹⁹A gossip betrays a confidence;^(D)
so avoid anyone who talks too much.

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

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

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

The Message (MSG)

New International Version (NIV)