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Proverbs 25:16
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Shane IdlemanShane IdlemanSummary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Another way of showing self-control: Hast thou found honey? eat thy enough, Lest thou be surfeited with it, and vomit it up. Honey is pleasant, salutary, and thus to be eaten sparingly, Pro 24:13, but ne quid nimis. Too much is unwholesome, 27a: αὐτοῦ καὶ μέλιτος τὸ πλέον ἐστὶ χολή, i.e., even honey enjoyed immoderately is as bitter as gall; or, as Freidank says: des honges seze erdruizet s mans ze viel geniuzet [the sweetness of honey offends when one partakes too much of it]. Eat if thou hast found any in the forest or the mountains, דּיּךּ, thy enough (lxx τὸ ἱκανόν; the Venet. τὸ ἀρκοῦν σοι), i.e., as much as appeases thine appetite, that thou mayest not become surfeited and vomit it out (והקאתו with Tsere, and א quiesc., as at Sa2 14:10; vid., Michlol 116a, and Parchon under קוא). Fleischer, Ewald, Hitzig, and others, place Pro 25:16 and Pro 25:17 together, so as to form an emblematic tetrastich; but he who is surfeited is certainly, in Pro 25:16, he who willingly enjoys, and in 17, he to whom it is given to enjoy without his will; and is not, then, Pro 25:16 a sentence complete in itself in meaning? That it is not to be understood in a purely dietetic sense (although thus interpreted it is a rule not to be despised), is self-evident. As one can suffer injury from the noblest of food if he overload his stomach therewith, so in the sphere of science, instruction, edification, there is an injurious overloading of the mind; we ought to measure what we receive by our spiritual want, the right distribution of enjoyment and labour, and the degree of our ability to change it in succum et sanguinem, - else it at last awakens in us dislike, and becomes an evil to us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hast thou found honey?.... Of which there was great plenty in Judea; and was to be found in fields and woods, Sa1 14:25; 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 Pro 24:13; and according to the sense there, that which Maimonides (l) 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, (l) Moreh. Nevochim, par. 1. c. 32, p. 41.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, 1. We are allowed a sober and moderate use of the delights of sense: Hast thou found honey? It is not forbidden fruit to thee, as it was to Jonathan; thou mayest eat of it with thanksgiving to God, who, having created things grateful to our senses, has given us leave to make use of them. Eat as much as is sufficient, and no more. Enough is as good as a feast. 2. We are cautioned to take heed of excess. We must use all pleasures as we do honey, with a check upon our appetite, lest we take more than does us good and make ourselves sick with it. We are most in danger of surfeiting upon that which is most sweet, and therefore those that fare sumptuously every day have need to watch over themselves, lest their hearts be at any time overcharged. The pleasures of sense lose their sweetness by the excessive use of them and become nauseous, as honey, which turns sour in the stomach; it is therefore our interest, as well as our duty, to use them with sobriety.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:16-17 Honey in moderation is tasty and healthy (24:13-14); too much will cause vomiting. This principle can be applied to other areas of life; for example, it is good to visit your neighbors, but not too often.
Proverbs 25:16
More Proverbs of Solomon
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. 16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate -5- Too Much Honey -6- Pride
By Phil Beach Jr.361:04:31Self-GloryPridePRO 25:16PRO 25:27ISA 14:12JAS 4:6Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of the sins of pride and the pursuit of self-glory, likening them to the seduction of too much honey. He warns that indulging in self-satisfaction can overshadow our satisfaction in Christ, leading to spiritual ruin. The sermon draws parallels between the spirit of Jezebel and the seductive nature of these sins, urging believers to seek humility and a deeper relationship with God. Beach encourages the congregation to recognize these tendencies in their lives and to rely on God's grace for transformation.
Health Seminar Crash Course
By Shane Idleman192:13:40Spiritual DisciplineHealth and WellnessPRO 25:16ISA 26:3MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 9:271CO 10:31GAL 5:22PHP 4:131TI 4:41PE 5:7Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as a gift from God, discussing the rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes, and the need for a balanced approach to nutrition and physical activity. He advocates for a lifestyle that includes healthy eating, fasting, and exercise, while also recognizing the spiritual connection between physical health and spiritual well-being. Shane encourages the congregation to seek God's guidance in their health choices and to be mindful of the impact of their diet on their overall quality of life.
Health - What Does the Bible Say?
By Shane Idleman91:18:03HealthStewardship of the BodyGEN 1:29PRO 3:5PRO 25:16JER 6:16MAT 6:33ROM 12:11CO 6:191CO 10:31GAL 5:221TI 4:4Shane Idleman addresses the biblical perspective on health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of stewardship over our bodies and the need to return to God's design for eating. He highlights the epidemic of obesity, substance abuse, and chronic diseases, advocating for a balanced approach to food that prioritizes nutrition and health over indulgence. Shane encourages listeners to seek wisdom from God regarding their dietary choices and to consider the impact of processed foods on their health. He also discusses the significance of accountability and community support in making lasting lifestyle changes.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
Another way of showing self-control: Hast thou found honey? eat thy enough, Lest thou be surfeited with it, and vomit it up. Honey is pleasant, salutary, and thus to be eaten sparingly, Pro 24:13, but ne quid nimis. Too much is unwholesome, 27a: αὐτοῦ καὶ μέλιτος τὸ πλέον ἐστὶ χολή, i.e., even honey enjoyed immoderately is as bitter as gall; or, as Freidank says: des honges seze erdruizet s mans ze viel geniuzet [the sweetness of honey offends when one partakes too much of it]. Eat if thou hast found any in the forest or the mountains, דּיּךּ, thy enough (lxx τὸ ἱκανόν; the Venet. τὸ ἀρκοῦν σοι), i.e., as much as appeases thine appetite, that thou mayest not become surfeited and vomit it out (והקאתו with Tsere, and א quiesc., as at Sa2 14:10; vid., Michlol 116a, and Parchon under קוא). Fleischer, Ewald, Hitzig, and others, place Pro 25:16 and Pro 25:17 together, so as to form an emblematic tetrastich; but he who is surfeited is certainly, in Pro 25:16, he who willingly enjoys, and in 17, he to whom it is given to enjoy without his will; and is not, then, Pro 25:16 a sentence complete in itself in meaning? That it is not to be understood in a purely dietetic sense (although thus interpreted it is a rule not to be despised), is self-evident. As one can suffer injury from the noblest of food if he overload his stomach therewith, so in the sphere of science, instruction, edification, there is an injurious overloading of the mind; we ought to measure what we receive by our spiritual want, the right distribution of enjoyment and labour, and the degree of our ability to change it in succum et sanguinem, - else it at last awakens in us dislike, and becomes an evil to us.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
A comparison, as a surfeit of honey produces physical disgust, so your company, however agreeable in moderation, may, if excessive, lead your friend to hate you.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Hast thou found honey?.... Of which there was great plenty in Judea; and was to be found in fields and woods, Sa1 14:25; 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 Pro 24:13; and according to the sense there, that which Maimonides (l) 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, (l) Moreh. Nevochim, par. 1. c. 32, p. 41.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here, 1. We are allowed a sober and moderate use of the delights of sense: Hast thou found honey? It is not forbidden fruit to thee, as it was to Jonathan; thou mayest eat of it with thanksgiving to God, who, having created things grateful to our senses, has given us leave to make use of them. Eat as much as is sufficient, and no more. Enough is as good as a feast. 2. We are cautioned to take heed of excess. We must use all pleasures as we do honey, with a check upon our appetite, lest we take more than does us good and make ourselves sick with it. We are most in danger of surfeiting upon that which is most sweet, and therefore those that fare sumptuously every day have need to watch over themselves, lest their hearts be at any time overcharged. The pleasures of sense lose their sweetness by the excessive use of them and become nauseous, as honey, which turns sour in the stomach; it is therefore our interest, as well as our duty, to use them with sobriety.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
25:16-17 Honey in moderation is tasty and healthy (24:13-14); too much will cause vomiting. This principle can be applied to other areas of life; for example, it is good to visit your neighbors, but not too often.