Proverbs 25:27
Proverbs 25:27 in Multiple Translations
It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
It is not good to eat much honey; So for men to search out their own glory is grievous.
It is not good to take much honey: so he who is not looking for honour will be honoured.
It's not good to eat too much honey, or to want too much praise.
It is not good to eate much hony: so to search their owne glory is not glory.
The eating of much honey is not good, Nor a searching out of one's own honour — honour.
It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor.
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
As it is not good for a man to eat much honey, so he that is a searcher of majesty, shall be overwhelmed by glory.
It is not good to eat too much honey, and trying to get people to praise you is also not good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:27
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 25:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֘כֹ֤ל
דְּבַ֣שׁ
הַרְבּ֣וֹת
לֹא
ט֑וֹב
וְ/חֵ֖קֶר
כְּבֹדָ֣/ם
כָּבֽוֹד
אָ֘כֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Ptc
דְּבַ֣שׁ
dᵉbash
H1706
honey
N-ms
הַרְבּ֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
וְ/חֵ֖קֶר
chêqer
H2714
search
Conj | N-ms
כְּבֹדָ֣/ם
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs | Suff
כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:27
אָ֘כֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
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.
הַרְבּ֣וֹת
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
וְ/חֵ֖קֶר
chêqer
H2714
"search"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a search or investigation, like trying to find something out. It is used in the Bible to describe examining or inquiring about something, and is often translated as search or finding out.
Definition: a search, investigation, searching, enquiry, thing to be searched out
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: finding out, number, (un-) search(-able, -ed, out, -ing). See also: Judges 5:16; Job 36:26; Psalms 145:3.
כְּבֹדָ֣/ם
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs | Suff
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
כָּבֽוֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:27
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:27
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
25Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
26Like a muddied spring or a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way to the wicked.
27It is not good to eat too much honey or to search out one’s own glory.
28Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who does not control his temper.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 5:44 | How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? |
| 2 | Proverbs 27:2 | Let another praise you, and not your own mouth— a stranger, and not your own lips. |
| 3 | Philippians 2:3 | Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. |
| 4 | Proverbs 25:16 | If you find honey, eat just what you need, lest you have too much and vomit it up. |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 12:1 | I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. |
| 6 | 2 Corinthians 12:11 | I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. |
Proverbs 25:27 Summary
[Proverbs 25:27 warns us that it's not good to overindulge in things that might seem sweet or pleasing at first, but can ultimately harm us, like eating too much honey. It also cautions us against seeking our own glory, because this can lead to pride and a focus on ourselves rather than on God. As seen in Matthew 23:12, humility is a key virtue in the Bible, and seeking God's glory instead of our own is crucial. By focusing on serving and glorifying God, as instructed in Colossians 3:23-24, we can find a healthier balance in our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to eat too much honey in Proverbs 25:27?
Eating too much honey in this verse is a metaphor for overindulging in something that is sweet or pleasing to us, but can be harmful in excess, much like the warnings in Proverbs 23:20-21 about the dangers of excessive behavior.
How can searching out one's own glory be bad?
Searching out one's own glory, as mentioned in Proverbs 25:27, is bad because it goes against the teachings of the Bible, such as in Matthew 23:12, which says that those who humble themselves will be exalted, and in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride comes before a fall.
Is it wrong to desire recognition or praise from others?
While it is not wrong to receive recognition or praise from others, the Bible warns against seeking it as our primary motivation, as seen in Proverbs 25:27 and John 12:43, where seeking the praise of men is contrasted with seeking the praise of God.
How can I balance my desire for recognition with the warning in Proverbs 25:27?
To balance your desire for recognition with the warning in Proverbs 25:27, focus on serving and glorifying God, as instructed in Colossians 3:23-24, and let recognition from others be a secondary benefit, rather than the primary goal.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of my life am I overindulging in 'honey', and how can I practice self-control?
- What are some ways I can shift my focus from seeking my own glory to seeking God's glory?
- How can I discern when my desire for recognition is becoming an idol, and what steps can I take to humble myself?
- What are some biblical examples of people who sought their own glory, and what were the consequences?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart of humility, as encouraged in Proverbs 25:27 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:27
[It is] not good to eat much honey,.... That is too much otherwise it is good to eat, Proverbs 24:13; but too much is hurtful, it surfeits the stomach increases choler (e) and creates loathing; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. (It is) not good to eat much honey (Proverbs 25:16); so (for men) to search their own glory (is not) glory. Glory follows him that seeks it not.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
Not good, to wit, for the health of the body. For men; which words are easily understood, both out of the foregoing clause, where the honey is supposed to be eaten by men, and out of the following words, which are evidently meant of them. To search their own glory; industriously to seek for honour and applause from men. Is not glory; is not only sinful, but shameful also, and a sign of a vain and mean spirit. The negative particle not is here understood out of the former part of the verse, as it Isaiah 9:18.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
Proverbs 25:27 [It is] not good to eat much honey: so [for men] to search their own glory [is not] glory.Ver. 27. It is not good to eat too much honey.] For it breeds choler and brings diseases. So for men to search their own glory,] i.e., To be "desirous of vain glory"; to seek the praise of men; to hunt after the world’ s plaudite; to say to it, as Tiberius once answered Justinus, Si tu volueris ego sum, si tu non vis ego non sum - I am wholly thine, I am only thy clay and wax; this is base and inglorious; this is to be Gloriae animal, popularis aurae vile mancipium, the creature of vain glory, a base slave to popular applause, as Jerome calls Crates, the philosopher, who cast his goods into the sea merely for a name. Some do all for a name, as Jehu and the Pharisees; like kites, they flutter up a little, but their eye is upon the carrion. The Chaldee paraphrast by "their glory," understands the majesty of the Scriptures - which to David were sweeter than honey. These we must search, but not too curiously. Ne qui scrutatur maiestam, opprimatur a gloria, as the Vulgate here hath it; lest prying into God’ s majesty we be oppressed by his glory. Jer., Epist. ad Julian. Consolator.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
(27) So for men to search their own glory is not glory.—The sense of this passage is very doubtful. It may mean, “But to search into difficult matters is an honour.” Self-indulgence and study are here contrasted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
Verse 27. It is not good to eat much honey] Coverdale translates the whole passage thus: "Like as it is not good to eat to muche hony; even so, he that wyll search out hye thinges, it shal be to hevy for him." As he that etith myche honye, and it is not to him goode; so, that is a sercher of mageste, schal ben oppressid of glorie - Old MS. Bible. He that searches too much into mysteries, is likely to be confounded by them. I really think this is the meaning of the place; and shall not puzzle either myself or my reader with the discordant explanations which have been brought forward with the hope of illustrating this passage.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:27
27. is not glory] The words is not are not in the Heb., but are supplied both in A.V. and R.V. text. The R.V. marg. has, “But for men to search out their own glory is glory. The Hebrew text is obscure.” It would seem as though the author of the proverb threw down in the second clause the terms of the comparison and left us to adjust them: “so is it with searching out your own glory, and glory”; q.d. Glory, like honey, is a good thing, but to be too much engrossed with your own share of the one is like eating too much of the other.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:27
So for men ... - A difficult sentence, the text of which is probably defective. The words are not in the original. Many commentators render: so to search into weighty matters is itself a weight, i.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:27
27. Not good to eat much honey — “Delicious as it is to an Eastern palate, yet, taken to excess, it is injurious. Proverbs 25:16. Sanutus tells us, that the English who attended Edward I.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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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Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the transformation that occurred in the early apostles after they received the Holy Spirit. The church's mission and influence in the world w |
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Hunger for God (Alternative) by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the powerful work of Brother Bakht Singh, who had led many souls to God without any publicity or gimmicks. Brother Bakht Singh was a man of |
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Thomas Hooker & the Doctrine of Conversion by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the variety of ways in which God deals with sinners. He emphasizes that conversion and assurance of salvation do not always happen instantane |
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The Kind of Person God Can Use by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes that God seeks individuals who are humble, weak, and willing to be used for His purposes in a world filled with pride and self-reliance. He highlights the |
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Humility and Faith by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the vital connection between humility and faith, arguing that pride obstructs true belief in God. He illustrates how Christians often see the promises of G |
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Bethesda - the Sheep Market by G.W. North | G.W. North explores the profound lessons from John 5, particularly the healing at the pool of Bethesda, emphasizing Jesus' obedience to the Father and the significance of His mirac |