Proverbs 27:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The full {H7649} soul {H5315} loatheth {H947} an honeycomb {H5317}; but to the hungry {H7457} soul {H5315} every bitter thing {H4751} is sweet {H4966}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A person who is full loathes a honeycomb; but to the hungry, any bitter thing is sweet.

Berean Standard Bible

The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.

American Standard Version

The full soul loatheth a honeycomb; But to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 27:7 offers a profound insight into human nature, illustrating how one's internal state—whether of abundance or scarcity—radically shapes perception and appreciation. It posits that a person overwhelmed by satiety will disdain even the most delightful things, while one suffering from genuine need will find even the most unpalatable experiences or provisions to be sweet and desirable. This timeless proverb underscores the critical role of perspective, humility, and genuine need in fostering true appreciation and contentment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 27:7 is situated within a collection of Solomonic proverbs, specifically those "copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah" (Proverbs 25:1). This section of Proverbs (chapters 25-29) often employs antithetical parallelism, contrasting opposing ideas to highlight moral and practical truths, a characteristic exemplified by this verse. The proverb functions as a concise, observational wisdom saying, using a common, relatable experience—eating—to convey a deeper principle about human psychology and spiritual disposition. It stands as a standalone aphorism, yet it resonates with the broader themes of wisdom, self-control, and the dangers of excess found throughout the book, urging the reader to consider the internal posture that governs their external experience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, honey, particularly honeycomb, was a highly prized commodity. It was a natural sweetener, a source of quick energy, and often associated with prosperity and blessing, as seen in descriptions of the promised land "flowing with milk and honey" ([Exodus 3:8](/exodus/3-8 "Exodus 3:8 - A Land Flowing with Milk and Honey")). Its sweetness and rarity made it a delicacy. Conversely, hunger was a pervasive and often life-threatening reality for many in an agrarian society dependent on seasonal harvests. Food scarcity meant that even bitter or unpalatable provisions were gratefully consumed out of necessity. This stark contrast between the luxury of honeycomb and the desperation of hunger provides the cultural backdrop for the proverb, making its message about relative value and perception immediately understandable and impactful to its original audience.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully illuminates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Perspective and Appreciation**, demonstrating that our internal state profoundly dictates how we perceive and value external circumstances. What is considered loathsome by the sated is precious to the needy, emphasizing the importance of gratitude. Secondly, it explores the dynamics of **Satisfaction vs. Desire**. An overabundance can lead to apathy, disdain, and a loss of appreciation for even the best things, while genuine need makes even unpleasant things desirable and sweet. This speaks to the human tendency towards complacency when needs are met without struggle. Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it carries significant **Spiritual Implications**. A "full soul" can symbolize spiritual complacency, self-sufficiency, or a lack of hunger for God's truth, leading one to despise the "sweetness" of divine wisdom or grace. Conversely, a "hungry soul" represents a spiritual yearning for nourishment, finding even difficult truths or humble provisions of faith to be sweet and life-giving, echoing the blessing for those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" found in [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"). This spiritual hunger is essential for growth and appreciation, aligning with the wisdom that likens God's word to honey in [Psalm 19:10](/psalms/19-10 "Psalm 19:10 - The Sweetness of God's Word") and wisdom itself to honey in [Proverbs 24:13](/proverbs/24-13 "Proverbs 24:13 - The Sweetness of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, this term is far broader than the English "soul." It properly refers to a breathing creature, vitality, or the abstract concept of life itself. It is used very widely to denote the entire person, one's appetite, inner being, or even the self. In this context, "the full soul" or "the hungry soul" refers to the whole person whose inner state—whether sated or yearning—defines their perception and experience. It encompasses not just a physical state but a complete disposition of the person.
* **Loatheth (Hebrew, _bûwç'_):** From H947, this primitive root means "to trample (literally or figuratively)." It conveys a strong sense of scorn, disdain, or contempt. When the "full soul loatheth" honeycomb, it implies a vigorous rejection, a treating of something valuable as if it were dirt underfoot, highlighting the extreme apathy and ingratitude that can arise from over-satiation.
* **Bitter thing (Hebrew, _mar'_):** From H4751, this word means "bitter" literally or figuratively. It can also function as a noun meaning "bitterness" or an adverb meaning "bitterly." It describes something unpleasant, harsh, or difficult. In the proverb, it represents any food or experience that would normally be undesirable or unpalatable.
* **Sweet (Hebrew, _mâthôwq'_):** From H4966, this word simply means "sweet." It describes the pleasant taste or agreeable nature of something. Its pairing with "bitter thing" creates a powerful paradox, emphasizing how the subjective state of hunger can transform the perception of an objectively unpleasant reality into something desirable and even delightful.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The full soul loatheth an honeycomb":** This clause describes a state of complete satiety, where a person (their "soul" or entire being) is so overfilled or complacent that they develop an aversion to even the most desirable and naturally sweet things, like honeycomb. The act of "loathing" signifies not just disinterest, but active disdain, suggesting an ingratitude born of excess.
* **"but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet":** This contrasting clause presents the opposite scenario. A person experiencing genuine hunger (a "hungry soul") finds that even things that are inherently "bitter" or unpleasant become desirable and "sweet." This highlights how dire need can radically alter perception, making even hardship or meager provisions welcome and appreciated.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 27:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting lines or clauses are set against each other to highlight a truth. Here, the "full soul" and its disdain for sweetness is directly opposed to the "hungry soul" and its appreciation for bitterness, creating a vivid and memorable contrast. This parallelism underscores the central message about the power of perspective. **Symbolism** is also heavily utilized: the "honeycomb" symbolizes pleasure, abundance, and desirable things, while "every bitter thing" symbolizes hardship, scarcity, or unpleasant realities. These concrete symbols make the abstract concept of perception tangible. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in stating that "every bitter thing is sweet" to the hungry soul; while not literally true in all cases, it emphasizes the extreme shift in appreciation that hunger can induce, driving home the point with impactful exaggeration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb transcends mere physical appetite, offering profound theological insights into human disposition towards God's provision and truth. It warns against the spiritual complacency that arises from feeling "full"—whether with worldly success, self-righteousness, or even spiritual knowledge without genuine need or application. Such a state can lead one to despise the "honeycomb" of God's grace, His Word, or His humble means of salvation, deeming them unnecessary or unappealing. Conversely, the "hungry soul" represents a heart that recognizes its deep spiritual need, its poverty before God, and its yearning for righteousness. To such a soul, even difficult truths, challenging commands, or periods of spiritual discipline (the "bitter things") become "sweet" because they lead to life, growth, and deeper communion with God. This spiritual hunger is a prerequisite for receiving God's blessings and appreciating His wisdom.

* [Psalm 19:10](/psalms/19-10 "Psalm 19:10 - The Sweetness of God's Word"): God's judgments are "more to be desired than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb."
* [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness"): "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."
* [Revelation 3:17-18](/revelation/3-17 "Revelation 3:17-18 - Laodicea's Spiritual Blindness"): "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 27:7 serves as a timeless warning against spiritual apathy and a powerful call to cultivate a posture of humility and need before God. In a world often characterized by abundance and instant gratification, it is easy for our "souls" to become "full" with comforts, distractions, and self-sufficiency, leading us to lose our appetite for the truly life-giving spiritual nourishment God offers. This proverb challenges us to regularly examine our hearts: Do we truly hunger for God's Word, His presence, and His righteousness, or have we become so sated with worldly pursuits that we "loathe" the very things that are meant to sustain us? Cultivating gratitude, even for the smallest blessings, can prevent us from becoming spiritually jaded. Moreover, embracing seasons of "bitterness"—trials, difficulties, or humbling experiences—with a "hungry soul" can transform them into opportunities for profound spiritual growth, revealing God's sweetness in unexpected ways. This proverb encourages us to maintain a posture of dependence on God, recognizing that our greatest strength lies in acknowledging our spiritual need and continually seeking Him as our ultimate satisfaction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my "soul" be "full," leading me to disdain or overlook God's blessings or spiritual truths?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper spiritual hunger for God's Word and His presence, even when life is comfortable?**
* **Can I identify a "bitter thing" in my past or present that, through a "hungry soul," became "sweet" or brought unexpected growth?**
* **What practical steps can I take to guard against spiritual complacency and foster a continuous posture of gratitude and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**What does "the full soul loatheth an honeycomb" mean spiritually?**

Answer: Spiritually, "the full soul" refers to a person who feels self-sufficient, spiritually complacent, or so sated with worldly comforts, knowledge, or even their own perceived righteousness that they no longer sense a deep need for God. Just as a physically full person might turn away from a delicious honeycomb, a spiritually "full" person may disdain or undervalue the "sweet" provisions of God's grace, His Word, or the simple truths of the gospel because they feel no hunger for them. This can lead to spiritual apathy and a lack of appreciation for divine wisdom, which is likened to honey in [Psalm 19:10](/psalms/19-10 "Psalm 19:10 - The Sweetness of God's Word").

**How can "every bitter thing be sweet" to a hungry soul, both literally and spiritually?**

Answer: Literally, when someone is truly hungry, their desperation for sustenance overrides their preference for taste. Even unpalatable or "bitter" food becomes desirable because it offers survival. Spiritually, "the hungry soul" represents a person who recognizes their deep spiritual need and thirst for righteousness. To such a person, even difficult truths, challenging commands, or periods of hardship and discipline (the "bitter things") become "sweet" because they lead to spiritual growth, purification, and a deeper relationship with God. This aligns with the promise in [Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness") that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness "shall be filled," finding true satisfaction even in what seems initially unappealing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 27:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the paradox of true satisfaction and the transformative power of spiritual hunger. Humanity, in its "fullness" of self-sufficiency and sin, often "loathed" the "honeycomb" of God's perfect provision in Christ, rejecting the very source of life and sweetness because they perceived no need for Him ([John 1:10-11](/john/1-10 "John 1:10 - He Was in the World")). Yet, for those who recognize their spiritual destitution and become "hungry souls," every "bitter thing" of the gospel—the call to repentance, the humility of faith, the suffering of the cross—becomes profoundly "sweet." Jesus Himself 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 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). He is the true satisfaction for the hungry soul, transforming the bitterness of sin and death into the sweetness of salvation and eternal life. His willingness to endure the ultimate "bitter cup" of suffering and death on the cross ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")) became the means by which humanity, in its spiritual hunger, could taste the sweetness of God's grace and forgiveness. Through Christ, the paradox is resolved: our deepest hunger is met, and even the seemingly bitter path of discipleship leads to unparalleled joy and lasting satisfaction that the world cannot offer ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")).

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

Luke 15:16

And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

Luke 15:17

And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

Numbers 11:18

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for [it was] well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.

Numbers 11:20

[But] even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which [is] among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

Numbers 21:5

And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

Numbers 11:4

¶ And the mixt multitude that [was] among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

Numbers 11:9

And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.