Proverbs 25:16

16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.

Proverbs 25:16 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:16

Hast thou found honey?
&c.] Of which there was great plenty in Judea; and was to be found in fields and woods, ( 1 Samuel 14:25 1 Samuel 14:26 ) ; eat so much as is sufficient for thee;
to satisfy appetite, without overcharging the stomach; what may be conducive to health, and no more; lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it;
that is, overfilled; filled to a loathing of it, so as to cause a casting of it up this is not merely to be understood in a literal sense; something more is intended, as in ( Proverbs 24:13 ) ; and according to the sense there, that which Maimonides F12 gives of this seems agreeable; that it respects the getting of wisdom and knowledge, which, like honey, is sweet and desirable, and excellent, and nourishing, moderately used: but then persons should take care to keep within due bounds, and not seek to be too wise; or to exercise themselves in things too high for them, and aim at that which is above their capacity; but should content themselves with what is within their reach and compass: and so Gersom understands it. Some think that moderation in the use of worldly things and lawful pleasures is here recommended: and others that the words refer to what follow; that when a man has got a pleasant and delightful friend, he should not visit him too often; lest, too much familiarity bringing contempt, he should lose his friend: so Jarchi connects the words,


FOOTNOTES:

F12 Moreh. Nevochim, par. 1. c. 32, p. 41.

Proverbs 25:16 In-Context

14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.