Bible Strands
Proverbs 25:16
If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The passage delivers a practical maxim from the wisdom compiler to a general reader, positioned between instructions on persuading rulers and limiting visits to neighbors' homes.
The words — The Hebrew דְּבַ֣שׁ (de.Vash) translates literally to "honey," and פֶּן (pen-) functions as a warning particle meaning "lest." These terms establish the verse's structure as a conditional warning rather than a blanket prohibition.
The thread — The principle of measured intake runs through Proverbs 25:27, which explicitly warns against eating too much honey or pursuing personal glory, and parallels the warning in Ephesians 5:18 against intoxication leading to reckless behavior.
Why it lands — The text commands the reader to consume only what is necessary to avoid physical ruin, applying the principle of moderation to all acquired benefits.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 25:27 It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
- Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
- Proverbs 24:13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
- Isaiah 7:15 By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey.
- 1 Samuel 14:25 Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground.
- Luke 21:34 But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.
- Judges 14:8 When Samson returned later to take her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and in it was a swarm of bees, along with their honey.
- Proverbs 23:8 You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words.
- Isaiah 7:22 and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.