Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
Willful and knowing wrongdoing is pictured as drinking water that has been stolen and eating food that is taken in hiding. The image is especially of sin committed against the light of truth, chosen with open eyes rather than in ignorance. What is forbidden is represented as sweet and pleasant to the taste, giving eager enjoyment in secrecy. The secrecy itself heightens the appeal, so the wrong is taken in eagerly as if it were a delight.
The pleasant sensation of such hidden indulgence does not remove its wrongfulness. Guilt remains fully attached to the act despite the pleasure felt in committing it. That guilt is preserved on a lasting record that endures beyond the moment of enjoyment.
Willful and knowing wrongdoing is pictured as drinking water that has been stolen and eating food that is taken in hiding. The image is especially of sin committed against the light of truth, chosen with open eyes rather than in ignorance. What is forbidden is represented as sweet and pleasant to the taste, giving eager enjoyment in secrecy. The secrecy itself heightens the appeal, so the wrong is taken in eagerly as if it were a delight.
The pleasant sensation of such hidden indulgence does not remove its wrongfulness. Guilt remains fully attached to the act despite the pleasure felt in committing it. That guilt is preserved on a lasting record that endures beyond the moment of enjoyment.