Proverbs 25:16 kjv

Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.

Proverbs 25:16 nkjv

Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.

Proverbs 25:16 niv

If you find honey, eat just enough? too much of it, and you will vomit.

Proverbs 25:16 esv

If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

Proverbs 25:16 nlt

Do you like honey?
Don't eat too much, or it will make you sick!

Proverbs 25 verses

Proverbs 25 16 Meaning

Proverbs 25:16 teaches the principle of moderation, using the metaphor of honey. While honey is pleasant and beneficial in small amounts, consuming too much of it leads to revulsion and physical sickness. This verse serves as a cautionary lesson against overindulgence in any good thing, emphasizing that excess, even of desirable elements, can become detrimental and repulsive. Wisdom dictates knowing not only what is good but also the appropriate limits for its enjoyment to avoid negative consequences.

Proverbs 25 16 Context

Proverbs 25 belongs to a section of proverbs that were compiled by "the men of Hezekiah," implying an organized effort during King Hezekiah's reign (8th century BCE) to collect and preserve ancient wisdom, likely from King Solomon. This chapter covers a range of practical wisdom, from interacting with kings to managing disputes, reputation, and personal desires. It stresses prudent behavior, humility, and the discerning use of speech and resources. Within this context, Proverbs 25:16 offers counsel on the appropriate use and enjoyment of even good things, reflecting the broader biblical theme of balance and self-discipline that leads to true well-being rather than immediate gratification. The metaphor of honey would have been well-understood by an agricultural society, where honey was a valued, natural sweetener and energy source.

Proverbs 25 16 Word analysis

• "Have you found honey?": This phrasing (מָצָאתָ דְבַשׁ – matz'ata devash) implies discovery or acquisition, rather than cultivation. Honey (דְבַשׁ – devash) was a highly prized food, representing natural sweetness, pleasure, and often prosperity (e.g., the "land flowing with milk and honey"). It signifies anything good, desirable, or delightful in life, whether material pleasures, wealth, praise, or even knowledge.

• "Eat only what you need": (אֱכֹל מַסְפֵּק־לָךְ – ekhol maspek-lakh). "Eat" (ekhol) is a basic command for consumption. "Only what you need" or "sufficient for you" (maspek-lakh) is key, pointing to a limited, adequate amount. It speaks of a measured intake that satisfies hunger without leading to gluttony or discomfort. This word embodies the core concept of moderation and proper discernment.

• "lest you have too much of it": (פֶּן־תִּשְׂבָּעֶנּוּ – pen tishba'ennu). "Lest" (pen) warns against a negative consequence. "Have too much" or "be filled therewith" (tishba'ennu) signifies becoming sated, completely full, even beyond necessity. It highlights the feeling of being gorged or overstuffed, which quickly transitions from pleasure to discomfort.

• "and vomit it": (וַהֲקֵאתוֹ – vahake'eto). This is the graphic, repulsive outcome. Vomiting (hakhe'ot) represents the reversal of intake, an expulsion of what was initially desirable but became abhorrent through excess. It vividly illustrates how something sweet can become sickening, signifying ultimate rejection and disgust for what was once pleasant.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Honey... eat... sufficient": This phrase establishes the scenario and the immediate, wise response. It implies that good things are to be enjoyed, but judiciously, not carelessly. The discovery of good things is an opportunity for either wisdom or folly.
  • "Lest you be filled... and vomit": This sequence illustrates the swift and unpleasant consequences of exceeding the proper boundary. The transition from desirable satiety to involuntary expulsion serves as a potent metaphor for any area of life where unchecked indulgence leads to negative outcomes, disgust, or even moral nausea. The proverb implies foresight: wise individuals anticipate such outcomes.

Proverbs 25 16 Bonus section

The graphic image of vomiting is intentionally strong. In biblical contexts, vomiting can be associated with disgrace, expulsion, or the rejection of impurity. For instance, the land "vomits out" inhabitants who practice abominations (Lev 18:28). This metaphor underscores that unchecked indulgence makes what was good not only unhelpful but actively repulsive and harmful. The proverb subtly reinforces the idea that even divine blessings require responsible stewardship; otherwise, they can become a means of self-destruction. This verse implicitly warns against the pitfalls of gluttony, whether literal or figurative, guiding believers toward a life of balanced contentment and discerning use of God's provisions, fostering a genuine appreciation for sufficiency over insatiable desire.

Proverbs 25 16 Commentary

Proverbs 25:16 provides a profound yet practical lesson on temperance. It transcends merely physical eating, becoming a timeless principle applicable to all aspects of human desire and interaction. The initial pleasure derived from something desirable—be it food, wealth, praise, entertainment, or even ambition—can rapidly turn sour when pursued without self-control. The sweetness of honey transforms into a nauseating burden. This teaches that true enjoyment and benefit come from appreciating good things in their proper measure, recognizing that there are limits beyond which blessings become curses. Wisdom is not only knowing what is good, but how much of it to partake. This discipline guards against physical ailment, emotional weariness, financial ruin, and spiritual decay, highlighting that God's design for enjoyment includes healthy boundaries. For instance, while learning is good, obsessive study without rest can lead to burnout. Similarly, while money can be a blessing, the unbridled pursuit of wealth often leads to dissatisfaction, corruption, or spiritual emptiness.