Sweet to the Taste
“‘Bad, bad,’ says the buyer, but when he goes away then he boasts” (Proverbs 20:14 ESV).
“Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel” (Proverbs 20:17 ESV).
John had just pulled a fast deal over an unsuspecting customer. The other man seemed naive and new to the game, and John walked out with a contract that would net him a handsome profit. He was pleased with himself until, annoyingly, his wife pointed out the flaw in his dealing.
“But what if the customer brings the defective merchandise back?”
“Oh, that’s simple,” John answered. “Buyer, beware!”
She looked dubious as a member of the White House Press Corps, but said nothing.
“What a sweet deal,” he thought. “I haven’t lost my touch!”
The next day he went to church. Dressed in his best suit, and still feeling pleased with himself, he walked into the auditorium where one of the church elders called him over. “John,” the elder said, “I would like you to meet our new preacher.”
Standing next to him, in a Sunday suit, was the customer he had cheated the day before.
Gravel is not an ingredient in most gourmet meals, but John’s mouth was full of gravel now! His sweet deal had turned into rocks!