Read: Proverbs 26:12-17
If you find honey, eat just enough – too much of it, and you will vomit. (Verse 16)
A local plumber who we use when things get wet where they should not get wet or dry when they should be wet also keeps bees as a hobby. Recently we acquired a replacement toilet cistern and three jars of honey; salespeople call that bundling. The honey is so sweet it is the perfect accompaniment to my morning porridge without needing so much that the calorie count is too high.
Many years ago when my mother was pregnant with my youngest sister she had a craving for honey. She bought it in 56lb barrels and ate it constantly – I can still se her sitting surrounded by empty jars and two tablespoons, filling the jars for ease of use and eating as she went. Needless to say, my sister never liked honey and could not be persuaded to eat it. Make of that story what you will.
The short, mostly single verse proverbs in chapters 25-29 are usually ascribed to King Solomon. They cover many subjects; they are pithy and they make perfect sense. This one reflects, find something you like, consume the right amount and it is a delight, but overdo it and you will rue the day.
The word and truths of God are like honey. They are sweet and satisfying and in the right quantities will keep attracting the consumer to take more. In the end though, just reading the word becomes dry and off-putting. It must be prayed over with the Holy Spirit’s help to come to life in new ways, and it must be lived out in order to be a real benefit to readers and all who engage with them. The word of God gives energy, it improves the day but it is ever only part of the day with God who engages on so many levels.
A Prayer
Lord, sometimes it is difficult to balance the way I spend my time with you with what I do for you. Help me to consume the right amount of your word to guide and encourage me in all situations but not so much that I become obsessed by academic interest and sickening to those I meet. Gracious God, guide me in all things I pray, for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.