Proverbs 27:7 kjv

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 nkjv

A satisfied soul loathes the honeycomb, But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 niv

One who is full loathes honey from the comb, but to the hungry even what is bitter tastes sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 esv

One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.

Proverbs 27:7 nlt

A person who is full refuses honey,
but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

Proverbs 27 verses

Proverbs 27 7 Meaning

Proverbs 27:7 conveys that a state of material or sensual oversaturation breeds disdain for what is truly delightful and valuable, whereas genuine spiritual or physical hunger cultivates an appreciative disposition even towards the simple or less desirable. It highlights how one's inner state—whether contented or famished—shapes their perception and valuation of everything.

Proverbs 27 7 Context

Proverbs 27:7 stands within a collection of miscellaneous proverbs in the latter part of the book, often attributed to the wise men (Proverbs 25:1). This chapter covers various aspects of wisdom concerning friendship, reputation, humility, hard work, and discerning character. It functions as a concise observation about human nature and perception, complementing themes of contentment and the pitfalls of material obsession that permeate the wisdom literature. Culturally, food was central to life and celebration, but also represented the basic necessities. "Honey" was a prized delicacy, symbolizing the finest and most pleasant of things, a standard of pure goodness. The contrast with "bitter" highlights a wide spectrum of experience, both literal and metaphorical. The proverb captures a universal truth not limited to the physical realm but extended to spiritual and relational matters.

Proverbs 27 7 Word analysis

• The full soul: Hebrew nephesh mele'ah (נֶפֶשׁ מְלֵאָה).

  • Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ): More than just "soul" in the modern sense. It encompasses the entire being, the self, the appetite, the life-force, the individual's desire and vitality. It's the seat of emotion, hunger, thirst, and desire.
  • Mele'ah (מְלֵאָה): "Full," "satisfied," "abundant." In this context, it often implies an excess or surfeit, a satiation that leads to apathy or a spoiled nature. This is not the blessed fullness of the Spirit, but a carnal fullness.

• loathes: Hebrew būs (בּוּס).

  • Meaning "to trample," "to despise," "to abhor," "to disdain." It's a strong verb, indicating active rejection and contempt, not mere indifference. This disdain comes from being so accustomed to abundance that true delicacies lose their savor.

• a honeycomb: Hebrew nophet (נֹפֶת).

  • Specifically, "the drippings of honeycomb" or "honeycomb." It represents the purest, most exquisite form of sweetness and delight. In the Bible, honeycomb often symbolizes wisdom and the sweetness of God's Word (Ps 19:10; 119:103). It signifies the ultimate pleasure and goodness.

• but to the hungry soul: Hebrew le'nephesh re'evah (לְנֶפֶשׁ רְעֵבָה).

  • Le'nephesh: "To the soul."
  • Re'evah (רְעֵבָה): "Hungry," "famished," "starving." This is not just slight hunger but a state of real need and deprivation, which sharpens perception and heightens appreciation.

• every bitter thing: Hebrew mar (מַר).

  • Meaning "bitter," "grievous," "sad," "unpleasant." It denotes anything typically unappealing, distasteful, or difficult to bear.

• is sweet: Hebrew mathoq (מָתוֹק).

  • Meaning "sweet," "pleasant." The direct opposite of "bitter." This emphasizes the transformative power of perspective born out of need.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "The full soul loathes a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.": This proverb employs a classic Hebrew parallelism, specifically antithetical parallelism, contrasting two opposite scenarios to highlight a core truth.
  • The first clause describes a state of spiritual apathy or physical saturation. A person who feels they lack nothing—whether in possessions, experience, or self-perceived wisdom—becomes jaded. Even the most universally acknowledged good (honeycomb, representing delightful wisdom, divine truth, or simple pleasures) is spurned because of a lack of want. This illustrates the danger of contentment derived from self-sufficiency.
  • The second clause presents the opposite: a state of genuine hunger, need, or spiritual longing. In this condition, perception is transformed. What would ordinarily be considered bitter (life's hardships, humble fare, even reproof, or disciplines from the Lord) is received with gratitude and experienced as beneficial, or sweet, because it meets a profound need. This highlights the value of humility and acknowledging one's dependency.

Proverbs 27 7 Bonus section

The "full soul" can also be understood as a metaphor for spiritual pride or a lack of humility. When one believes they possess all knowledge, wisdom, or spiritual insight, they become impervious to new truths, especially those that challenge their comfort. They "loathe" wisdom, as they assume they have no need for it. This aligns with many Proverbs that warn against self-sufficiency (Prov 26:12 - "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him").

The concept of "honeycomb" being loathed highlights the perversity of a saturated appetite; it is not just indifference, but active revulsion, showing a deeply corrupted state of perception. This proverb offers a vital principle for evaluating one's spiritual condition: how do we respond to God's Word, to reproof, to simple spiritual truths? Is there an insatiable desire, or a jaded boredom? True spiritual vitality thrives in hunger, not in assumed saturation.

Proverbs 27 7 Commentary

Proverbs 27:7 offers profound insight into human nature, extending far beyond literal eating habits. It teaches that one's internal disposition dictates their appreciation of external circumstances. A person overwhelmed by self-sufficiency, often characterized by material wealth, status, or a belief in their own wisdom, becomes spiritually calloused. They lose the capacity to value true delights, even the purest spiritual truths (the "honeycomb" representing God's Word or righteous living). Their "fullness" breeds a dangerous sense of contentment that makes them reject what is truly nourishing and beneficial.

Conversely, a "hungry soul" represents a person keenly aware of their need—whether physical, emotional, or most importantly, spiritual. This hunger fosters an unparalleled appreciation for whatever is received, even if it is inherently unpleasant ("bitter"). This resonates deeply with spiritual hunger: a soul genuinely seeking God's truth, righteousness, and grace will find comfort, wisdom, and sweetness in what the unseeking might deem difficult, burdensome, or dull, such as repentance, spiritual discipline, or even trials, because it leads to true satisfaction. This proverb underscores that spiritual vitality comes from acknowledging our needs, not from presumed abundance.

• Example: A person with abundant worldly possessions often finds themselves jaded and easily bored, always seeking the next thrill, while a humble person with simple needs can find immense joy in small blessings.
• Example: A spiritually proud person scoffs at the seemingly simple truths of the Gospel, while one truly sensing their sin and need for salvation clings to it as life's sweetest gift.
• Example: Difficult lessons or periods of testing (the "bitter things") can be invaluable for spiritual growth for someone who truly hungers for God, while those content in their ease often resent discomfort.