Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste. Eat honey, my sonThe phrase "Eat honey, my son" is an invitation to partake in something that is both nourishing and delightful. In the Hebrew context, honey was a symbol of abundance and prosperity, often associated with the Promised Land, described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" ( Exodus 3:8). The directive to "eat" suggests an active engagement with wisdom, much like one would actively consume food. The term "my son" is a common address in Proverbs, indicating a personal and intimate instruction from a father to a child, emphasizing the importance of the lesson being imparted. for it is good
The assertion "for it is good" underscores the inherent value and benefit of honey. In the Hebrew language, the word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) conveys not only a sense of pleasantness but also moral goodness and suitability. This reflects the broader biblical principle that what God provides is inherently good and beneficial for us. The goodness of honey here is a metaphor for the goodness of wisdom, which nourishes the soul and enriches life. and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste
The "honeycomb" represents the purest and most natural form of honey, directly from the source. In ancient times, honeycomb was a delicacy, symbolizing the richness and depth of wisdom. The phrase "sweet to your taste" highlights the pleasurable and satisfying nature of wisdom. The Hebrew word for "sweet" (מָתוֹק, matoq) suggests not only sweetness in flavor but also delight and joy. This sweetness is a metaphor for the joy and satisfaction that comes from living a life guided by divine wisdom. The imagery of taste connects the physical experience of eating with the spiritual experience of gaining understanding, suggesting that wisdom, like honey, should be savored and enjoyed. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. SonThe term "my son" is often used in Proverbs to address the reader or listener, symbolizing a relationship of guidance and instruction, much like a father to a son. 3. HoneyIn ancient Israel, honey was a symbol of abundance and pleasure. It was a natural sweetener and considered a delicacy. 4. HoneycombRepresents the purest form of honey, directly from the source, symbolizing purity and natural goodness. 5. IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where honey was a common and valued commodity. Teaching Points The Goodness of God's CreationHoney is a reminder of the goodness and provision of God's creation. Just as honey is sweet and nourishing, so are the gifts and wisdom that come from God. Pursuit of WisdomJust as one seeks out honey for its sweetness, we should seek wisdom for its life-giving properties. Wisdom, like honey, enriches and sustains us. Spiritual NourishmentThe sweetness of honey can be likened to the sweetness of God's word. We should "taste and see" that the Lord is good, finding nourishment in His teachings. Value of Simple PleasuresIn a world often focused on complexity and excess, the simple pleasure of honey reminds us to appreciate the small, good things God provides. Symbol of Purity and TruthThe honeycomb represents purity and truth. In our spiritual lives, we should strive for purity and truth in our relationship with God and others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of honey in Proverbs 24:13 enhance our understanding of the value of wisdom? 2. In what ways can we "taste" the sweetness of God's word in our daily lives? 3. How does the comparison of God's laws to honey in Psalm 19:10 deepen our appreciation for His commandments? 4. What are some simple pleasures in your life that remind you of God's goodness and provision? 5. How can we ensure that our pursuit of wisdom remains pure and true, like the honeycomb? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 19:10This verse compares the laws and decrees of the Lord to honey, emphasizing their desirability and sweetness. Proverbs 16:24This verse highlights the sweetness of gracious words, likening them to honeycomb, which brings healing to the soul and body. Ezekiel 3:3In this passage, the prophet Ezekiel is told to eat a scroll, which tastes as sweet as honey, symbolizing the sweetness of God's word. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Comb, Drippings, Droppings, Eat, Flowing, Honey, Honeycomb, Honey-comb, Palate, Sweet, Taste, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 24:13-14 5187 taste Library The Sluggard's Garden
'I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; 31. And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.'--PROVERBS xxiv. 30, 31. This picture of the sluggard's garden seems to be intended as a parable. No doubt its direct simple meaning is full of homely wisdom in full accord with the whole tone of the Book of Proverbs; but we shall scarcely do justice to this saying of the wise …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Broken Fence
A sermon (No. 3381) published on Thursday, November 20th 1913. Delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and to, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down, Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs The Sluggard's Farm
A sermon (No. 2027) intended for reading on Lord's Day, June 3rd 1888, delivered by C. H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. "I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."--Proverbs 24:30-32. No doubt Solomon was sometimes glad …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs Epistle xxxvi. To Maximus, Bishop of Salona .
To Maximus, Bishop of Salona [113] . Gregory to Maximus, &c. When our common son the presbyter Veteranus came to the Roman city, he found me so weak from the pains of gout as to be quite unable to answer thy Fraternity's letters myself. And indeed with regard to the nation of the Sclaves [114] , from which you are in great danger, I am exceedingly afflicted and disturbed. I am afflicted as suffering already in your suffering: I am disturbed, because they have already begun to enter Italy by way …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Portrait of a Drunkyard
'Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30. They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33. Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34. Yea, thou shalt be as …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture 2 Cor. Iii. 5
Not that we are sufficient of our selves, to think any thing as of our selves: but our Sufficiency is of God. IN my former Discourse upon these Words, I shewed you that it was the sole Design of St. Paul in them, to declare, that, in the setting about, and executing, the difficult and laborious Work of an Apostle, He did not arrogate to himself the Power, and Ability, and Success, which he had: but that he ascribed his Sufficiency for this great Work, as well as his being designed to it, to God himself, …
Benjamin Hoadly—Several Discourses Concerning the Terms of Acceptance with God How to Make Use of Christ for Taking the Guilt of Our Daily Out-Breakings Away.
The next part of our sanctification is in reference to our daily failings and transgressions, committed partly through the violence of temptations, as we see in David and Peter, and other eminent men of God; partly through daily infirmities, because of our weakness and imperfections; for, "in many things we offend all," James iii. 2; and, "if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us," 1 John i. 8; "a righteous man falleth seven times," Prov. xxiv. 16; "there is not …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life The Justice of God
The next attribute is God's justice. All God's attributes are identical, and are the same with his essence. Though he has several attributes whereby he is made known to us, yet he has but one essence. A cedar tree may have several branches, yet it is but one cedar. So there are several attributes of God whereby we conceive of him, but only one entire essence. Well, then, concerning God's justice. Deut 32:4. Just and right is he.' Job 37:23. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Necessity of Actual Grace
In treating of the necessity of actual grace we must avoid two extremes. The first is that mere nature is absolutely incapable of doing any thing good. This error was held by the early Protestants and the followers of Baius and Jansenius. The second is that nature is able to perform supernatural acts by its own power. This was taught by the Pelagians and Semipelagians. Between these two extremes Catholic theology keeps the golden mean. It defends the capacity of human nature against Protestants and …
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the Practice of Piety.
Those hindrances are chiefly seven:-- I. An ignorant mistaking of the true meaning of certain places of the holy Scriptures, and some other chief grounds of Christian religion. The Scriptures mistaken are these: 1. Ezek. xxxiii. 14, 16, "At what time soever a sinner repenteth him of his sin, I will blot out all," &c. Hence the carnal Christian gathers, that he may repent when he will. It is true, whensoever a sinner does repent, God will forgive; but the text saith not, that a sinner may repent whensoever …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and Ungodly Men.
Scriptures Showing The Sin And Danger Of Joining With Wicked And Ungodly Men. When the Lord is punishing such a people against whom he hath a controversy, and a notable controversy, every one that is found shall be thrust through: and every one joined with them shall fall, Isa. xiii. 15. They partake in their judgment, not only because in a common calamity all shares, (as in Ezek. xxi. 3.) but chiefly because joined with and partakers with these whom God is pursuing; even as the strangers that join …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning A Treatise on Good Works
I. We ought first to know that there are no good works except those which God has commanded, even as there is no sin except that which God has forbidden. Therefore whoever wishes to know and to do good works needs nothing else than to know God's commandments. Thus Christ says, Matthew xix, "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." And when the young man asks Him, Matthew xix, what he shall do that he may inherit eternal life, Christ sets before him naught else but the Ten Commandments. …
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 24:13 NIVProverbs 24:13 NLTProverbs 24:13 ESVProverbs 24:13 NASBProverbs 24:13 KJV
Proverbs 24:13 Commentaries
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