Proverbs 25:16

16 Hast thou found honey? Eat only so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith and 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 Whoso boasteth himself of his gifts falsely is like clouds and wind without rain.
15 By much forbearance is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone.
16 Hast thou found honey? Eat only so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith and vomit it.
17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbor's house, lest he be weary of thee and so come to hate thee.
18 A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor is a maul and a sword and a sharp arrow.
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.