Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
ט֑וֹב
It is not good
H2896
ט֑וֹב
It is not good
Strong's:
H2896
Word #:
5 of 8
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
Proverbs 27:2Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.John 5:44How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?Philippians 2:3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Historical Context
Jesus taught: 'Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted' (Luke 14:11, 18:14). Philippians 2:3 commands: 'Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.' The early church's humility before a glory-seeking Roman culture proved countercultural and attractive. Modern self-promotion culture violates this wisdom pervasively.
Questions for Reflection
- How does seeking your own glory paradoxically prevent you from receiving it?
- What self-promotional tendencies need to be replaced with humble service?
- How can you pursue God's glory while trusting Him to handle your honor or lack thereof?
Analysis & Commentary
It's not good to eat much honey; seeking one's own glory is not glory. The Hebrew 'devash' (honey) and 'kavod' (glory/honor) warns against excess. Repeating v.16's honey warning, this verse adds parallel: seeking honor destroys it. Self-glorification is self-defeating - those who seek glory lose it; those who seek God's glory receive honor. Humility brings exaltation; pride brings humiliation. This paradox pervades Scripture: lose life to find it, die to live, humble yourself to be exalted.