Proverbs 25:16

16 If you find honey, eat only what you need; for if you eat too much of it, you may throw it up;

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,

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FOOTNOTES:

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

Proverbs 25:16 In-Context

14 Like clouds and wind that bring no rain is he who boasts of gifts he never gives.

15 With patience a ruler may be won over, and a gentle tongue can break bones.

16 If you find honey, eat only what you need; for if you eat too much of it, you may throw it up;

17 so don't visit your neighbor too much, or he may get his fill of you and come to hate you.

18 Like a club, a sword or a sharp arrow is a person who gives false testimony against a neighbor.