“Food gained by fraud tastes sweet,
but one ends up with a mouth full of gravel.”

This was a proverb that again opened the door to the suffering of the world. Like with 20:1, we get a window view into the lives of those who live at Folly’s house. It’s meal time, and they’ve gathered around the table to eat bread gained from fraud. Every bite is a reminder. The very source to sustain life has been gained by illegitimate means. The short victory of gaining food in this way rots the insides of those who consume it. They know it may extend their days here, but at what cost? In this proverb, the food turns to gravel, but Proverbs 9:17-18 reveals who it is who are at the table, the dead.

World hunger is a problem that continues after every mouthful. There are many who fight against the tide but it is like fighting the waves of the ocean. Its constant unending reminder of wave after wave reveals the depth of the suffering experienced by many of the world’s poorest. If an extension of life is gained what does it matter how food is obtained? This proverb points at the problem but reveals no answer but judgment.

Jesus came as the Bread of Life, John 6:25-59. He came as the new bread from heaven, the manna the Israelites ate in the book of Exodus chapter 16. The Gospel of John reveals the problem and the answer in 6:58, “This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

Jesus is the Bread of Life this world needs. He is the only bread that gives eternal life to those who consume Him. Come gather at His table and eat.  For while food gained by fraud becomes gravel, food gained by faith grants eternal life.