Proverbs 25:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Hast thou found {H4672} honey {H1706}? eat {H398} so much as is sufficient {H1767} for thee, lest thou be filled {H7646} therewith, and vomit {H6958} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:16 delivers a potent warning against the perils of overindulgence, even in things that are inherently good. Through the vivid analogy of honey, a highly prized commodity in ancient Israel, the proverb cautions that consuming more than what is sufficient leads not to greater satisfaction but to revulsion and rejection. It underscores the timeless principle that moderation and self-control are essential for true enjoyment and lasting benefit, preventing what is desirable from becoming detrimental through excess.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This proverb is part of a distinct collection within the book of Proverbs, specifically identified in [Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - The Proverbs of Solomon Copied by Hezekiah's Men") as "proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out." This indicates a deliberate effort centuries after Solomon's reign to compile and preserve his wisdom, suggesting its enduring relevance. Chapters 25-29 present a series of pithy, often two-line, observations on various aspects of life, morality, and social conduct, frequently employing natural imagery or common scenarios to convey profound truths. Proverbs 25:16 immediately precedes [Proverbs 25:17](/proverbs/25-17 "Proverbs 25:17 - Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house"), which similarly advises moderation in social interactions ("Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour's house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee"), reinforcing the broader theme of not overstaying one's welcome or overdoing a good thing. This placement highlights a direct connection between physical and social moderation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, honey (often wild honey from bees found in rock crevices or trees) was a valuable and cherished food source, serving as a primary sweetener and a source of quick energy. It was a symbol of abundance, delight, and prosperity, often mentioned alongside milk as a blessing (e.g., [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). Given its scarcity compared to modern sugar and its natural sweetness, it was highly desirable. The imagery of finding honey would evoke a sense of unexpected good fortune. The cultural understanding of honey's richness and potential for cloying sweetness if consumed in large quantities would make the proverb's warning immediately relatable and impactful to its original audience. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, often drew upon such common experiences to teach universal principles applicable to all aspects of life, from diet to relationships and ethical conduct.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 25:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it champions the theme of **moderation and self-control**, a virtue consistently lauded as essential for a wise and flourishing life. It teaches that even good things, when pursued without limits, can become harmful, leading to the **peril of excess**. This concept extends beyond physical appetite to all forms of desire and consumption, warning against greed, gluttony, and unchecked pleasure-seeking. The proverb also subtly touches upon the theme of **discernment**, as it requires wisdom to know what is "sufficient" for oneself, rather than following an arbitrary external standard. Furthermore, it illustrates how overindulgence can lead to **disgust and rejection**, spoiling the very thing one initially desired, thereby emphasizing the importance of appreciating blessings in their proper measure to preserve their goodness, a principle also seen in warnings against excessive wealth or ambition (e.g., [Proverbs 23:4-5](/proverbs/23-4 "Proverbs 23:4-5 - Do Not Toil to Be Rich")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honey (Hebrew, _dᵉbash'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be gummy," this term refers to natural honey, often from wild bees. In the ancient world, honey was a highly prized and rare sweetener, symbolizing sweetness, abundance, and delight. Its inherent goodness makes the proverb's warning about its excess particularly striking, highlighting that even the most desirable things can become detrimental when consumed without restraint.
* **Sufficient (Hebrew, _day'_):** This word conveys the idea of "enough" or "adequate." It emphasizes a personal, appropriate limit rather than a universal standard. The proverb instructs the individual to discern and adhere to their own measure of sufficiency, implying that true satisfaction comes not from boundless consumption but from recognizing and respecting one's appropriate limit. It points to contentment within boundaries.
* **Vomit (Hebrew, _qôwʼ'_):** This primitive root means "to vomit" or "to spue out." The use of this vivid and repulsive imagery starkly illustrates the ultimate consequence of overindulgence. It signifies not just a loss of enjoyment but an active rejection and physical revulsion, underscoring the severity of the negative outcome when one crosses the line from sufficiency to excess.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hast thou found honey?"**: This opening phrase sets up a common scenario. Finding honey, especially wild honey, was considered a fortunate discovery, akin to finding a treasure. It establishes the object of desire as something inherently good, sweet, and beneficial, making the subsequent warning even more impactful by applying it to something universally desirable.
* **"eat so much as is sufficient for thee,"**: This is the core instruction, advocating for moderation. The emphasis on "sufficient for thee" highlights a personal and discerning limit. It's not about abstaining from good things, but about consuming them wisely, in a measure that brings benefit and enjoyment without leading to harm. It calls for self-awareness and discipline.
* **"lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it."**: This clause presents the dire consequence of failing to heed the instruction for moderation. To be "filled therewith" implies being sated to the point of discomfort or disgust, and the ultimate act of "vomit[ing] it" vividly portrays the complete rejection and revulsion that results from overindulgence. What was once sweet and desirable becomes repulsive, illustrating that excess spoils the very thing it consumes.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb primarily employs **Analogy**, drawing a direct comparison between the physical act of eating honey and the broader principle of moderation in all areas of life. The tangible experience of overeating honey and its repulsive outcome serves as a powerful illustration for the intangible dangers of excess in any pursuit. **Imagery** is central to the proverb's impact, with the vivid descriptions of "honey," "sufficient," and especially "vomit" creating a strong sensory experience that reinforces the message. The progression from desirable acquisition to physical revulsion is a compelling visual and visceral journey. The proverb also uses **Admonition**, a direct warning or counsel, to guide the listener towards wise conduct.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 25:16 encapsulates a foundational biblical principle: true flourishing is found not in boundless acquisition or consumption, but in discerning and adhering to God-given limits. This wisdom resonates throughout Scripture, which consistently calls believers to self-control, contentment, and a balanced perspective on worldly pleasures and possessions. The danger of excess is not merely physical discomfort but often leads to spiritual decay, as unchecked desires can become idols, diverting attention and affection from God. The pursuit of "more" often reflects a lack of trust in God's provision or a misunderstanding of true satisfaction, which ultimately comes from Him.

* [Proverbs 23:2](/proverbs/23-2 "Proverbs 23:2 - Put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite") warns against gluttony, especially at a ruler's table, reinforcing the need for discipline regarding appetite.
* [Philippians 4:5](/philippians/4-5 "Philippians 4:5 - Let your moderation be known unto all men") directly admonishes believers to let their "moderation be known unto all men," extending the principle beyond food to all aspects of Christian conduct and character.
* [1 Corinthians 6:12](/1_corinthians/6-12 "1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient") states, "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any," highlighting the importance of not allowing even lawful things to become masters through excess.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 25:16 remains profoundly relevant in a world often characterized by consumerism and the relentless pursuit of more. It challenges us to examine our relationship with all "good things" in life – whether it's food, entertainment, material possessions, social media, or even work and ministry. The proverb teaches that true enjoyment and lasting satisfaction are found in a posture of contentment and moderation, rather than insatiable craving. When we exceed what is "sufficient," we risk not only diminishing our appreciation for the good but also inviting negative consequences that turn blessings into burdens. This wisdom calls us to cultivate self-awareness, discipline, and a spirit of gratitude for what we have, recognizing that true abundance lies in appreciating enough, not in constantly seeking more.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be consuming "too much honey," leading to a sense of spiritual or emotional nausea rather than true satisfaction?**
* **How can I better discern what is "sufficient for me" in various aspects of my life, such as screen time, spending, or even the pursuit of knowledge?**
* **What practices or disciplines can I implement to cultivate greater moderation and contentment, thereby preserving the joy in good things?**
* **How does the pursuit of more than what is sufficient hinder my relationship with God or my ability to serve others effectively?**

### FAQ

**What does "sufficient for thee" mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Sufficient for thee" means enough for your needs or for healthy enjoyment, without leading to harm or disgust. It's a personal measure, not a universal one, implying that each individual must exercise discernment and self-awareness to know their own limits. Practically, it means stopping before overindulgence, whether in food, entertainment, work, or even relationships, to maintain balance and prevent negative consequences. It emphasizes quality of experience over quantity of consumption, ensuring that a good thing remains good rather than becoming detrimental.

**Is this proverb only about food, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While the proverb uses the tangible example of eating honey, its wisdom extends far beyond physical appetite. It serves as a powerful **analogy** for all areas of life where good things can become harmful through excess. This includes material possessions, pleasure, entertainment, social interactions (as seen in [Proverbs 25:17](/proverbs/25-17 "Proverbs 25:17 - Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house")), information consumption, and even ambition. The core message is about the universal principle of moderation and the dangers of overindulgence in anything, no matter how good it may seem initially.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:16, with its warning against the perils of overindulgence, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Humanity's fundamental problem is often an insatiable craving for "honey" – worldly pleasures, power, possessions, or self-glory – that promises satisfaction but ultimately leads to spiritual "vomiting" and emptiness. Christ, however, offers the true and lasting "bread of life" and "living water" that genuinely satisfies the soul without leading to excess or spiritual nausea. He declared, "[I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). Unlike earthly honey, which can be overconsumed, Christ is an inexhaustible wellspring of grace and truth; the more we partake of Him, the more truly satisfied and fulfilled we become, without any negative side effects. His invitation is to "[Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")), offering a spiritual sufficiency that transcends all worldly cravings. In Christ, we find true contentment and the perfect measure of all good things, as He Himself is the ultimate good, satisfying our deepest longings and preventing us from seeking fulfillment in destructive excesses.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 25:27

¶ [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.

Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Proverbs 24:13

¶ My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste:

Proverbs 24:14

So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Luke 21:34

And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.

Judges 14:8

And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcase of the lion: and, behold, [there was] a swarm of bees and honey in the carcase of the lion.

Judges 14:9

And he took thereof in his hands, and went on eating, and came to his father and mother, and he gave them, and they did eat: but he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the lion.