Proverbs 25:16
Proverbs 25:16 in Multiple Translations
If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
If you have honey, take only as much as is enough for you; for fear that, being full of it, you may not be able to keep it down.
If you find honey, eat just enough, for if you eat too much, you'll be sick.
If thou haue found hony, eate that is sufficient for thee, least thou be ouerfull, and vomit it.
Honey thou hast found — eat thy sufficiency, Lest thou be satiated [with] it, and hast vomited it.
Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled with it, and vomit it.
Thou hast found honey, eat what is sufficient for thee, lest being glutted therewith thou vomit it up.
If you find some honey, do not eat a lot of it, because doing that may cause you to vomit.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 25:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
דְּבַ֣שׁ
מָ֭צָאתָ
אֱכֹ֣ל
דַּיֶּ֑/ךָּ
פֶּן
תִּ֝שְׂבָּעֶ֗/נּוּ
וַ/הֲקֵֽאתֽ/וֹ
דְּבַ֣שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
N-ms
מָ֭צָאתָ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
דַּיֶּ֑/ךָּ
day
H1767
sufficiency
N-ms | Suff
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תִּ֝שְׂבָּעֶ֗/נּוּ
sâbaʻ
H7646
to satisfy
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
וַ/הֲקֵֽאתֽ/וֹ
qôwʼ
H6958
to vomit
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:16
דְּבַ֣שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
"honey"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means honey, a sweet and valuable food. It was used to describe the Promised Land as a place of abundance and blessing, flowing with milk and honey. The word also appears in stories of bees and honey production.
Definition: honey
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: honey(-comb). See also: Genesis 43:11; 1 Samuel 14:29; Psalms 19:11.
מָ֭צָאתָ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֱכֹ֣ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
דַּיֶּ֑/ךָּ
day
H1767
"sufficiency"
N-ms | Suff
This word means enough or sufficiency, like having enough food or water. It is used in phrases like 'according to the abundance of' in 2 Corinthians. The KJV translates it as 'enough' or 'sufficient'.
Definition: 1) sufficiency, enough 1a) enough 1b) for, according to the abundance of, out of the abundance of, as often as
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: able, according to, after (ability), among, as (oft as), (more than) enough, from, in, since, (much as is) sufficient(-ly), too much, very, when. See also: Exodus 36:5; Nehemiah 5:8; Proverbs 25:16.
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תִּ֝שְׂבָּעֶ֗/נּוּ
sâbaʻ
H7646
"to satisfy"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To satisfy means to fill someone with enough of something, like food or desire, and can also mean to have too much of something.
Definition: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied) 1a3) to have in excess, be surfeited, be surfeited with 1a3a) to be weary of (fig) 1b) (Piel) to satisfy 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to satisfy 1c2) to enrich 1c3) to sate, glut (with the undesired)
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: have enough, fill (full, self, with), be (to the) full (of), have plenty of, be satiate, satisfy (with), suffice, be weary of. See also: Exodus 16:8; Proverbs 12:11; Psalms 17:14.
וַ/הֲקֵֽאתֽ/וֹ
qôwʼ
H6958
"to vomit"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
This word means to vomit or spue out, and can be used literally or figuratively, as in a land spewing out its inhabitants. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to vomit up, spue out, disgorge 1a) (Qal) to vomit 1b) (Hiphil) to vomit up 1b1) of land spewing out its inhabitants (fig) 1b2) vomiting, disgorging
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: spue (out), vomit (out, up, up again). See also: Leviticus 18:25; Job 20:15; Proverbs 23:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:16
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given.
15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
16If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up.
17Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he grow weary and hate you. 18Like a club or sword or sharp arrow is a man who bears false witness against his neighbor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 25:27 | It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory. |
| 2 | Ephesians 5:18 | Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. |
| 3 | Proverbs 24:13–14 | Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off. |
| 4 | Isaiah 7:15 | By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 14:25–27 | Then all the troops entered the forest, and there was honey on the ground. And when they entered the forest and saw the flowing honey, not one of them put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. Jonathan, however, had not heard that his father had charged the people with the oath. So he reached out the end of the staff in his hand, dipped it into the honeycomb, and put his hand to his mouth; and his eyes brightened. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Judges 14:8–9 | 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. So he scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. And when he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey from the lion’s carcass. |
| 8 | Proverbs 23:8 | You will vomit up what little you have eaten and waste your pleasant words. |
| 9 | 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. |
Proverbs 25:16 Summary
This verse is teaching us to enjoy the sweet things in life, but not to overdo it. Just like eating too much honey can make us sick, overindulging in pleasures can have negative consequences. We need to practice self-control and moderation, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:12, where everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial. By being mindful of our desires and enjoying things in balance, we can avoid the pitfalls of excess and live a more balanced, healthy life, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33, where we are taught to seek first God's kingdom and His righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of honey in Proverbs 25:16?
In this context, honey likely represents something sweet and desirable, such as wealth, pleasure, or success, as seen in other biblical passages like Psalms 119:103, where the psalmist finds God's words sweeter than honey.
Is it wrong to enjoy the sweet things in life according to Proverbs 25:16?
No, the verse is not saying that we should avoid all pleasures, but rather that we should enjoy them in moderation, lest we overindulge and suffer negative consequences, a principle also taught in 1 Corinthians 6:12, where everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial.
How does this verse relate to the concept of self-control?
Proverbs 25:16 emphasizes the importance of self-control, as we are to eat only what we need, rather than overindulging, a virtue also highlighted in Galatians 5:23, where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit.
What happens if we overindulge in the sweet things of life?
According to Proverbs 25:16, if we eat too much honey, we will vomit it up, indicating that overindulgence can lead to negative consequences, a principle also illustrated in Luke 12:15, where Jesus warns against the dangers of greed and excess.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'sweet things' in my life that I need to enjoy in moderation, lest I overindulge and suffer negative consequences?
- How can I balance my desire for pleasure and enjoyment with the need for self-control and moderation, as taught in Proverbs 25:16?
- What are some potential consequences of overindulging in the sweet things of life, and how can I avoid them?
- How does this verse relate to my relationship with God, and what does it teach me about His desire for my well-being and self-control?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:16
Hast thou found honey?.... Of which there was great plenty in Judea; and was to be found in fields and woods, 1 Samuel 14:25; eat so much as is sufficient for thee; to satisfy appetite, without
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:16
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
Honey in those parts was oft found in woods or fields, as , &c.; . By honey he understands, not only all delicious meats, but all present and worldly delights, which we are here taught to use with moderation. Honey excessively taken disposeth a man to vomiting.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
Proverbs 25:16 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.Ver. 16. Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient,] i.e., Be moderate in the use of all lawful comforts and contentments. Aπαντωνγαρηπλησμονη, saith the orator, for there is a satiety of all things, and by excess the sweetest comforts will be dissweetened, as Epictetus also observed. It is therefore excellent counsel that the holy apostle giveth, that "those that have wives be as if they had none," &c.; that we hang loose to all creature comforts, and be weanedly affected towards them, considering that licitis perimus omnes. We generally most of all overshoot ourselves in the use of things lawful, as those recusant guests did, and the old world. Isoc.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
(16) Hast thou found honey?—A common occurrence in Palestine, where swarms of wild bees abounded in the woods. (Comp. Judges 14:8; 1 Samuel 14:27.) Hence came the expression of a “land flowing with (milk and) honey.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
Verse 16. Hast thou found honey?] Make a moderate use of all thy enjoyments. "Let thy moderation be known unto all, and appear in all things."
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:16
Hast thou found honey? - Compare Judges 14:8; 1 Samuel 14:27. The precept extends to the pleasure of which honey is the symbol.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:16
16. Hast… found honey — Which in the East is frequently found in large quantities in the cavities of trees, rocks, and the like. So much — That is, only so much as shall satisfy.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate -5- Too Much Honey -6- Pride by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the dangers of the sins of pride and the pursuit of self-glory, likening them to the seduction of too much honey. He warns that indulging in self-satisfac |
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Health Seminar Crash Course by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies as a gift from God, discussing the rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes, and the need for a balanc |
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Health - What Does the Bible Say? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman addresses the biblical perspective on health and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of stewardship over our bodies and the need to return to God's design for eatin |
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the |
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An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of their upbringing in a small Methodist church and the tragic loss of their father at a young age. They emphasize the importanc |