The answer is: Gravel

Pro 20:17

In Proverbs 20:17, we find a thought-provoking insight into the emptiness of dishonesty. The imagery here is striking: bread gained through deceit may taste sweet at first, tantalizing the senses. However, the grim reality sets in; what's eventually on the table might just be gravel—a reminder that the results of dishonest practices are often painful and unsatisfying. Essentially, the enjoyment derived from momentary deceit gives way to a tough reality that can chew at the conscience.

Funny enough, this concept leads us to the idea of "sweets" versus hard truths. Take Jonah, for instance; he fled God's command and ended up swallowed by a big fish. The sweetness of ignoring God's call gave way to quite a harsh lesson—his mouth was filled with bitterness rather than comfort.

Interestingly, this idea reminds us of another type of "bread." In the Gospel of John (John 6:35), Jesus refers to himself as the "bread of life." Unlike gained deceitfully, this bread nourishes our spirit without leaving a troubling taste in our mouths afterward; instead, it promises fullness and truth.

Proverbs teaches us something profound about human nature: the delicious deceit may seem tempting, but integrity wraps us in a lasting embrace of fulfillment. Ultimately, neat little fables like these in biblical literature serve as timeless reminders, guiding us toward choices that yield breadcrumbs of wisdom and love rather than harsh or barren lands filled with gravel.