John Gill Commentary Proverbs 25:16

"Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, Lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it." — Proverbs 25:16 (ASV)

Have you found honey? &c.] Of which there was great plenty in Judea; and was to be found in fields and woods, (1 Samuel 14:25 1 Samuel 14:26); eat so much as is sufficient for you; to satisfy appetite, without overcharging the stomach; what may be conducive to health, and no more; lest you be filled therewith, and vomit it; that is, overfilled; filled to a loathing of it, so as to cause a casting of it up.

This is not merely to be understood in a literal sense; something more is intended, as in (Proverbs 24:13); and according to the sense there, that which Maimonides ^F12 gives of this seems agreeable; that it respects the getting of wisdom and knowledge, which, like honey, is sweet and desirable, and excellent, and nourishing, moderately used: but persons should take care to keep within due bounds, and not seek to be too wise; or to exercise themselves in things too high for them, and aim at that which is above their capacity; but should content themselves with what is within their reach and compass: And so Gersom understands it.

Some think that moderation in the use of worldly things and lawful pleasures is here recommended: Others think that the words refer to what follows; that when a man has a pleasant and delightful friend, he should not visit him too often; lest, too much familiarity bringing contempt, he should lose his friend: So Jarchi connects the words.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F12: Moreh. Nevochim, par. 1. c. 32, p. 41.