Psalm 119:103 - Sweeter Than Honey

Honey, produced by the hard work of many bees, is known for its sweetness. King Solomon, in his Song of Songs, describes kisses that are as sweet as honey (Song 4:11). 

Solomon also used honey several times to illustrate his proverbs. We've looked at some positive ones,* but he also used honey to describe things to avoid:

He said that the flattery of a loose woman is "as sweet as honey." (5:3, New Living Translation, 2015). 

Having been the wealthiest king, Solomon had experimented with satisfying any and all of his appetites (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11). He had probably learned the hard way, "Don't eat too much [honey], or it will make you sick!" (Proverbs 25:16) And "It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself." (25:27)

On the other hand, Solomon also said that just like honey is "sweet to the taste," wisdom is "sweet to your soul" (24:13-14). 

All of these are similes: honey is like wisdom, too much honey is like seeking honors for yourself.

One thing, though, is better than honey. The Psalmist says of God's words:

"How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey." (Psalm 119:103). After all, Christ is the source of all wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). And you can never have too much of His words!

Lord, Thank You for giving us many good gifts: things that sweeten our lives. Teach us to enjoy Your gifts the way You intended. Give us ongoing perspective. Remind us that You are the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17) so that we find our greatest delight in You and Your words to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

* Monday, October 18, 2021 - Proverbs 16:24; 24:13-14 - Be a Bee