Proverbs 25:27

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about seeking glory:

Proverbs 25:27 (NASBStr)

It is not good to eat much honey,

Nor is it glory to search out one’s own glory.

Proverbs 25:27 (ESV)

It is not good to eat much honey,

nor is it glorious to seek one’s own glory.

Before we make any application to the above proverb it would be good to re-read and consider one that Solomon penned and is listed just prior to this one, in chapter 25:

Proverbs 25:16 (NASBStr)

Have you found honey? Eat only what you need,

That you not have it in excess and vomit it.

Between the two we can see Solomon's point and how he uses the simply understanding of too much food (honey) to talk about seeking too much glory (honor).   Solomon wants us to know that honey is good for us and even nutritious to our body, if eaten in the proper amount ... moderation.   But, too  much honey and it is not good.   So, too, if we seek honor for ourselves.   It is not good to seek out honor, beg for it, or entice and invite it.   True honor from men is not seen by Solomon as completely wrong, sinful or foolish.   But, to seek too much of it is gluttony without the food.   When we desire the praise, honor and glory from men we steal from God and forget our talents, our skills, or our ability of which they praise us, ultimately comes from above.   When men rise up and praise other men, that is not wrong or even sinful.   In fact, in Proverbs 3:27 we are warned against withholding honor from someone who has earned it.   The problem falls onto the one who seeks honor and the praise of men and/or consumes too much of it.   When men begin to praise you remember it is like eating honey; a little is good, but too much will make everyone sick.