Proverbs 24:13
My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
Original Language Analysis
בְּנִ֣י
My son
H1121
בְּנִ֣י
My son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 9
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
4 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ט֑וֹב
because it is good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
because it is good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 9
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
Cross References
Isaiah 7:15Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.Song of Solomon 5:1I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.Proverbs 25:16Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
Historical Context
Honey was the primary sweetener in ancient Israel, making it a natural metaphor for life's best pleasures. The Promised Land flowed with milk and honey, symbolizing abundance and blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you find wisdom and God's Word sweet and delightful, or burdensome?
- How can you cultivate greater appetite for biblical wisdom?
Analysis & Commentary
'My son, eat thou honey, because it is good'—wisdom is compared to honey's sweetness and nourishment. The verse delights in honey's pleasure and benefit, then applies the metaphor to wisdom (v. 14). Just as honey tastes sweet and provides energy, wisdom delights the soul and strengthens life. This positive framing contrasts with warnings about folly's bitterness. Wisdom isn't merely duty but delight, not just beneficial but pleasurable. Those who taste wisdom find it sweet; the truly wise person craves it like honey. This echoes Psalm 19:10 and 119:103 about God's Word being sweeter than honey. Cultivate appetite for wisdom by tasting its goodness; experience will create desire for more.