Proverbs 25:16 - Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

Generated Verse: Proverbs 25:16

What does "Proverbs 25:16" mean?


Proverbs 25:16 is a proverb about moderation. Let's break down the meaning:

"Have you found honey?" Honey represents something good and desirable. It could be a physical pleasure, a good opportunity, or anything enjoyable.

"Eat as much as is sufficient for you" This part encourages you to enjoy the good things in life, but with discernment.

"Lest you eat too much, and vomit it" This warns against excess. Overindulging in something good can lead to negative consequences, such as disgust, sickness, or even ruining the thing you initially enjoyed.

The core message is about balance and self-control. Enjoy the good things life offers, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much of even a good thing can become unpleasant or even harmful.

Possible interpretations and applications:

Physical pleasures: Enjoy food, drink, and other physical comforts in moderation. Overindulging can lead to health problems and a feeling of being unwell.
Opportunities: Pursue opportunities, but be realistic about your capacity. Taking on too much can lead to stress, burnout, and failure.
Enjoyment and Entertainment: Enjoy hobbies, entertainment, and leisure, but avoid letting them consume your life to the neglect of other important responsibilities.
Material possessions: It's fine to acquire nice things, but don't become greedy or obsessed with material wealth.

In essence, the proverb teaches that enjoying good things in moderation leads to sustained satisfaction, while excess leads to unpleasant consequences and potentially losing the ability to enjoy the very thing you craved. It's a practical lesson in living a balanced and disciplined life.

What categories does "Proverbs 25:16" have?