Proverbs 25:16

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

Proverbs 25:16 in Other Translations

KJV
16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
ESV
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
NLT
16 Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!
MSG
16 When you're given a box of candy, don't gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you'll make yourself sick;
CSB
16 If you find honey, eat only what you need; otherwise, you'll get sick from it and vomit.

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 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of gifts never given.
15 Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat just enough— too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house— too much of you, and they will hate you.
18 Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.

Cross References 1

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