Proverbs 25:27

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

It is not good {H2896} to eat {H398} much {H7235} honey {H1706}: so for men to search {H2714} their own glory {H3519} is not glory {H3519}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It isn't good to eat too much honey or to seek honor after honor.

Berean Standard Bible

It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.

American Standard Version

It is not good to eat much honey; Sofor mento search out their own glory is grievous.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:27 employs a striking analogy to caution against the perils of self-exaltation. It posits that just as an excessive consumption of honey, though initially pleasant, ultimately leads to discomfort or nausea, so too does the relentless pursuit of one's own honor fail to yield true glory. The proverb underscores a profound principle: genuine honor is not something that can be aggressively sought or manufactured; rather, it is often a byproduct of humility and righteous living, bestowed by God or others, contrasting sharply with the emptiness of self-aggrandizement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 25:27 is situated within a collection of "proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied" (cf. [Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - Solomon's Proverbs Copied by Hezekiah's Men")). This particular chapter contains a series of independent, pithy sayings offering practical wisdom for daily living, often employing vivid imagery and comparisons. Many proverbs in this section address themes of speech, self-control, neighborly relations, and the dangers of pride or folly. The immediate preceding verses, such as [Proverbs 25:26](/proverbs/25-26 "Proverbs 25:26 - Righteousness and Corruption"), deal with the corruption of the righteous, while [Proverbs 25:28](/proverbs/25-28 "Proverbs 25:28 - Self-Control and a Broken Wall") speaks to the importance of self-control, creating a thematic cluster around personal character and its public manifestation. Proverbs 25:27 fits seamlessly within this literary flow, offering a concise, memorable lesson on the counterproductive nature of self-promotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, honey was a highly prized and versatile commodity. It was a primary sweetener, a source of energy, and often used for medicinal purposes. Its natural abundance in the land was a sign of blessing, frequently symbolizing pleasantness, wisdom, and prosperity, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 24:13](/proverbs/24-13 "Proverbs 24:13 - Wisdom is Sweet as Honey") and [Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey"). Given its value and general appeal, the experience of consuming too much honey and the resulting unpleasantness would have been a universally understood phenomenon. This common, tangible experience forms the basis of the proverb's analogical wisdom, making its message about the pursuit of glory readily accessible and impactful to an agrarian society deeply familiar with natural provisions. The concept of "glory" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd_) was also deeply embedded in the cultural fabric, signifying honor, reputation, and social standing, often tied to one's family, tribe, or accomplishments.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 25:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Proverbs. Primarily, it champions the theme of **humility versus pride**. While the book frequently warns against the destructive nature of pride (e.g., [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")), this verse specifically addresses the futility of actively seeking one's own honor. It also reinforces the theme of **moderation and self-control**, suggesting that even good things (like honey or honor) become detrimental when pursued in excess. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the concept of **true versus false glory**, implying that genuine honor is not self-generated but rather an outcome of a virtuous life, often bestowed by God or others, as opposed to the empty pursuit of self-aggrandizement. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that true honor comes from God (e.g., [1 Samuel 2:30](/1_samuel/2-30 "1 Samuel 2:30 - Those Who Honor Me I Will Honor")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word carries a broad semantic range, encompassing what is pleasant, agreeable, beneficial, beautiful, or morally right. In the context of "not good to eat much honey," _ṭôwb_ signifies that such an action is not beneficial or pleasant; it is detrimental or disagreeable. This sets up the negative consequence that mirrors the pursuit of self-glory.
* **Search (Hebrew, _chêqer'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to examine" or "to find out," _chêqer_ here denotes an active, diligent, and perhaps even exhaustive investigation or pursuit. When applied to "glory," it describes a deliberate, often intense, effort to acquire or uncover one's own honor or recognition. The implication is that this is not a passive reception of honor but an aggressive seeking of it.
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This term fundamentally means "weight" or "heaviness," but figuratively it refers to splendor, honor, dignity, reputation, or abundance. In the proverb, its repetition creates a powerful wordplay. The first instance refers to the honor one seeks, while the second, negated instance ("is not glory"), declares that the outcome of such a search is not true, weighty, or lasting honor. It is an empty, hollow pursuit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"It is not good to eat much honey":** This clause establishes the analogy. Honey, a delightful and valuable substance, becomes "not good" or even harmful when consumed in excess. It points to the principle that even inherently good things can have negative consequences when moderation is abandoned. The unpleasant physical sensation of overindulgence serves as a tangible parallel for the spiritual or social discomfort of self-exaltation.
* **"so for men to search their own glory is not glory.":** This clause applies the analogy to human behavior, specifically the pursuit of personal honor. The "search" implies an active, deliberate, and often relentless effort to gain recognition or praise. The powerful repetition and negation ("is not glory") emphatically declare that such a self-seeking endeavor will not result in genuine, weighty, or lasting honor. Instead, it produces an outcome that is contrary to true glory, much like the nauseating effect of too much honey.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 25:27 primarily employs **Analogy** and **Wordplay**. The **Analogy** is central, comparing the physical experience of overeating honey to the spiritual and social consequences of seeking one's own glory. This makes an abstract concept (the nature of true honor) concrete and relatable. The unpleasantness of too much honey serves as a vivid metaphor for the emptiness and often negative reception of self-promotion. The proverb also utilizes **Wordplay** through the repetition of "glory" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd_). By stating that "to search their own glory is not glory," the text creates an emphatic contrast between the perceived or desired "glory" and its actual, hollow outcome. This rhetorical device highlights the paradox: the very act of aggressively pursuing honor undermines its true essence, making it something other than genuine glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical emphasis on humility as a prerequisite for true exaltation and the futility of human-centered glory. It teaches that honor, when genuinely attained, is often a gift or a natural consequence of a life lived righteously and humbly, rather than something that can be seized or manufactured through self-promotion. The pursuit of one's own glory is fundamentally a manifestation of pride, which consistently stands in opposition to God's character and purposes. True glory belongs to God alone, and when humans seek it for themselves, they usurp a divine prerogative, leading to spiritual emptiness and often social disdain. This wisdom aligns with the broader biblical narrative where God exalts the humble and resists the proud, revealing that lasting honor flows from a posture of dependence on and devotion to Him.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Humility and Exaltation")
* [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that often celebrates self-promotion, personal branding, and the relentless pursuit of recognition, Proverbs 25:27 offers a counter-cultural and profoundly liberating truth. It challenges us to examine the underlying motives of our actions. Are we striving for excellence and service, or are we primarily driven by a desire for personal acclaim and validation? The proverb reminds us that the latter path, while seemingly attractive, ultimately leads to a sense of emptiness and often alienates others. True influence, respect, and lasting honor are not commodities that can be aggressively acquired; rather, they are often the organic fruit of a life characterized by humility, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve God and others. Embracing this wisdom means shifting our focus from what we can gain for ourselves to how we can genuinely contribute and glorify God, trusting that any true honor will be a byproduct of His grace and our faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "searching my own glory" rather than seeking to honor God or serve others?**
* **What does "true glory" look like in a biblical sense, and how does it differ from worldly recognition?**
* **How can I cultivate a spirit of humility in my daily interactions and work, rather than seeking self-exaltation?**
* **What practical steps can I take to shift my focus from personal acclaim to glorifying God in all that I do?**

### FAQ
**Why is eating "much honey" used as an analogy for seeking one's own glory?**

Answer: The analogy is effective because honey, while delightful and beneficial in moderation, becomes unpleasant, nauseating, or even harmful when consumed in excessive quantities. This common physical experience serves as a relatable metaphor for the spiritual and social consequences of self-exaltation. Just as an overdose of something good turns bad, the aggressive pursuit of personal honor, though seemingly desirable, ultimately fails to deliver genuine glory and often results in disdain, emptiness, or even shame, much like the discomfort of too much honey. The proverb highlights the principle that even good things can become detrimental when moderation is abandoned and self-serving motives dominate.

**Does this proverb mean that all recognition or honor is bad?**

Answer: No, the proverb does not condemn all recognition or honor. Instead, it specifically warns against actively "searching their own glory," implying a self-centered, aggressive, or obsessive pursuit of personal acclaim. The Bible often speaks of honor bestowed by God or as a natural consequence of righteous living (e.g., [Proverbs 22:4](/proverbs/22-4 "Proverbs 22:4 - Humility and the Fear of the Lord Bring Riches, Honor, and Life")). The issue is the *motive* and *method* of acquiring honor. When honor is sought for oneself, it often becomes a hollow pursuit. True honor, in biblical thought, is often a byproduct of humility, service, and a life lived for God's glory, rather than something manufactured by human effort or pride.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:27 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound counterpoint in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Unlike humanity's tendency to "search their own glory," Jesus consistently emptied Himself, refusing to seek His own honor but always glorifying the Father. The apostle Paul beautifully articulates this in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation"), describing Christ's profound humility in taking "the form of a servant" and becoming "obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Jesus did not grasp for divine prerogatives or earthly recognition; instead, He embraced the path of self-sacrifice and service. Yet, precisely because of this radical humility, God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God Exalts Christ")). This demonstrates the divine paradox: true glory and exaltation are not found in self-seeking but in self-giving. Jesus' life perfectly illustrates that the "glory" that comes from God is vastly superior to any "glory" men might seek for themselves, providing the ultimate model for those who would follow Him to live for God's glory alone ([1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Do All to the Glory of God")) and trust Him for all true honor.

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

John 5:44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

Proverbs 27:2

¶ Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Philippians 2:3

[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

2 Corinthians 12:1

¶ It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Proverbs 25:16

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

2 Corinthians 12:11

¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.