New International VersionEat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste.
New Living TranslationMy child, eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
English Standard VersionMy son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Berean Standard BibleEat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
King James BibleMy son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
New King James VersionMy son, eat honey because it is good, And the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste;
New American Standard BibleMy son, eat honey, for it is good; Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
NASB 1995My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
NASB 1977My son, eat honey, for it is good, Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
Legacy Standard BibleEat honey, my son, for it is good, Indeed, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
Amplified BibleMy son, eat honey, because it is good, And the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
Christian Standard BibleEat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
Holman Christian Standard BibleEat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
American Standard VersionMy son, eat thou honey, for it is good; And the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to thy taste:
Contemporary English VersionHoney is good for you, my children, and it tastes sweet.
English Revised VersionMy son, eat thou honey, for it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationEat honey, my son, because it is good. Honey that flows from the honeycomb tastes sweet.
Good News TranslationMy child, eat honey; it is good. And just as honey from the comb is sweet on your tongue,
International Standard VersionMy son, eat honey, because it's good for you; indeed, drippings from the honeycomb are sweet to your taste;
NET BibleEat honey, my child, for it is good, and honey from the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
New Heart English BibleMy son, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste.
Webster's Bible TranslationMy son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honey-comb, which is sweet to thy taste: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleEat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.
World English BibleMy son, eat honey, for it is good, the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste; Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionMy son, eat honey that [is] good, "" And the honeycomb [is] sweet to your palate.
Young's Literal Translation Eat my son, honey that is good, And the honeycomb -- sweet to thy palate.
Smith's Literal TranslationMy son, eat honey, for it is good; and the dropping of honey being sweet to thy palate. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFat honey, my son, because it is good, and the honeycomb most sweet to thy throat:
Catholic Public Domain VersionMy son, eat honey, because it is good, and the honeycomb, because it is so sweet to your throat.
New American BibleIf you eat honey, my son, because it is good, if pure honey is sweet to your taste,
New Revised Standard VersionMy child, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMy son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedEat honey, my son, because it is good, and honeycomb is sweet to your palate. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917My son, eat thou honey, for it is good, And the honeycomb is sweet to thy taste;
Brenton Septuagint TranslationMy son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that thy throat may be sweetened.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Do not Envy… 12If you say, “Behold, we did not know about this,” does not He who weighs hearts consider it? Does not the One who guards your life know? Will He not repay a man according to his deeds? 13Eathoney,my son,forit is good,and the honeycombis sweetto yourtaste.14Know therefore that wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, there is a future for you, and your hope will never be cut off.…
Cross References Psalm 19:10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.
Psalm 119:103How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey in my mouth!
Proverbs 16:24Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Song of Solomon 4:11Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon.
Isaiah 7:15By the time He knows enough to reject evil and choose good, He will be eating curds and honey.
Isaiah 55:2Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.
Ezekiel 3:3“Son of man,” He said to me, “eat and fill your stomach with this scroll I am giving you.” So I ate, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth.
Jeremiah 15:16Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts.
Nehemiah 8:10Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Deuteronomy 8:3He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Matthew 4:4But Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
Matthew 11:28-30Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
John 6:51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”
John 6:57-58Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. / This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever.”
1 Peter 2:2-3Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, / now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Treasury of Scripture My son, eat you honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste: eat Proverbs 25:16,27 Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it… Song of Solomon 5:1 I 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. Isaiah 7:15 Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good. to the taste or upon thy palate Jump to Previous CombDrippingsDroppingsEatFlowingGoodHoneyHoneycombHoney-CombPalateSweetTasteJump to Next CombDrippingsDroppingsEatFlowingGoodHoneyHoneycombHoney-CombPalateSweetTasteProverbs 24 1.Precepts and WarningsEat honey, my son, for it is goodIn ancient Israel, honey was a valued commodity, often associated with abundance and prosperity. It was a natural sweetener and a symbol of good things in life. The directive to "eat honey" can be seen as an encouragement to seek what is beneficial and nourishing. Honey is mentioned in various parts of the Bible, such as in the Promised Land described as "a land flowing with milk and honey" ( Exodus 3:8), symbolizing God's provision and blessing. The phrase "my son" indicates a personal and intimate instruction, often used in Proverbs to convey wisdom from a father to a son, emphasizing the importance of heeding wise counsel. and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste
The honeycomb represents the purest form of honey, directly from the source, unprocessed and natural. Its sweetness is a metaphor for the pleasant and satisfying nature of wisdom and knowledge. In the cultural context, sweetness was a desirable quality, and the comparison to honeycomb suggests that wisdom, like honey, should be savored and appreciated. This imagery is echoed inPsalm 19:10, where God's laws are described as "sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb." The reference to taste highlights the experiential aspect of wisdom—it is not just to be known intellectually but to be experienced and internalized. The sweetness of the honeycomb can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the source of true wisdom and whose teachings bring satisfaction and fulfillment to the soul. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. SonThe term "my son" is often used in Proverbs to address the reader or listener, symbolizing a relationship of guidance and instruction, much like a father to a son. 3. HoneyIn ancient Israel, honey was a symbol of abundance and pleasure. It was a natural sweetener and considered a delicacy. 4. HoneycombRepresents the purest form of honey, directly from the source, symbolizing purity and natural goodness. 5. IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is rooted in ancient Israel, where honey was a common and valued commodity. Teaching Points The Goodness of God's CreationHoney is a reminder of the goodness and provision of God's creation. Just as honey is sweet and nourishing, so are the gifts and wisdom that come from God. Pursuit of WisdomJust as one seeks out honey for its sweetness, we should seek wisdom for its life-giving properties. Wisdom, like honey, enriches and sustains us. Spiritual NourishmentThe sweetness of honey can be likened to the sweetness of God's word. We should "taste and see" that the Lord is good, finding nourishment in His teachings. Value of Simple PleasuresIn a world often focused on complexity and excess, the simple pleasure of honey reminds us to appreciate the small, good things God provides. Symbol of Purity and TruthThe honeycomb represents purity and truth. In our spiritual lives, we should strive for purity and truth in our relationship with God and others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 24:13?
2.How can we apply "eat honey, my son" to our spiritual nourishment today?
3.What does Proverbs 24:13 teach about valuing wisdom as sweet to the soul?
4.How does Proverbs 24:13 connect with Psalm 19:10 about God's Word's sweetness?
5.How can we ensure our pursuit of wisdom is as diligent as seeking honey?
6.In what ways can we share the "sweetness" of wisdom with others daily?
7.What does Proverbs 24:13 symbolize in the context of wisdom and knowledge?
8.How does Proverbs 24:13 relate to the pursuit of spiritual nourishment?
9.Why is honey used as a metaphor in Proverbs 24:13?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 24?
11.What does 'spare the rod, spoil the child' mean?
12.Are pleasant words like a honeycomb?
13.What does the Bible say about Christian bodybuilding?
14.How can Proverbs 13:24's endorsement of the 'rod' in disciplining children be reconciled with current ethical and psychological objections to corporal punishment?What Does Proverbs 24:13 Mean Eat honey,The fatherly writer urges a literal act: enjoy the sweetness God placed in creation. Honey was prized in Israel for nourishment (Judges 14:8-9) and healing (Ezekiel 27:17). Scripture elsewhere celebrates it—“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24). By beginning with a simple, concrete command, the verse roots wisdom in daily life: God’s gifts are not merely spiritual abstractions; they are tangible delights to receive with gratitude, echoing1 Timothy 4:4, “For every creation of God is good.”
my son,The intimate address reveals a mentoring relationship. Throughout Proverbs the phrase signals parental instruction (Proverbs 1:8; 3:1), reminding readers that wisdom is passed from generation to generation. It also hints at our status as children of God (Romans 8:16-17), called to heed the loving voice of our Father.
for it is good,The statement affirms the moral and physical goodness of God’s provision.Genesis 1:31 anchors this truth: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.” Honey, part of a land “flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8), stands as a taste-able sign of divine blessing. Just as honey is inherently beneficial, so is wisdom—profitable for both body and soul (Proverbs 3:13-18).
and the honeycomb is sweetThe focus moves from objective goodness to experiential delight.Psalm 19:10 declares God’s judgments “sweeter than honey, than honey dripping from the comb.” The hard wax cells holding liquid gold illustrate how Scripture stores concentrated sweetness, ready to fill anyone who draws from it. Practical benefits include • physical energy—Jonathan’s eyes brightened after tasting honey (1 Samuel 14:27); • medicinal value—applied to wounds in ancient practice; • symbolic richness—Song of Songs 5:1 ties honeycomb to covenant love.
to your taste.Wisdom must be personally “tasted.”Psalm 34:8 invites, “Taste and see that the LORD is good.”Jeremiah 15:16 and1 Peter 2:3 echo the call to internalize God’s Word, not merely admire it. Just as palates differ, each believer must appropriate truth individually, savoring Scripture until its sweetness penetrates thought, emotion, and action (Hebrews 5:14).
summaryProverbs 24:13 blends the literal enjoyment of honey with a gentle lesson: God’s gifts—especially His wisdom—are objectively good and subjectively delightful. The father calls his child to receive, savor, and benefit from what the Lord provides, turning everyday sweetness into a reminder that walking in God’s Word refreshes, nourishes, and heals the life that embraces it. Verses 13, 14. - An exhortation to the study of wisdom, with an analogy. Verse 13. - Eat thou honey, because it is good. Honey entered largely into the diet of the Oriental, and was regarded not only as pleasant to the taste and nutritious, but also as possessed of healing powers. It was especially used for children's food ( Isaiah 7:15), and thus becomes an emblem of the purest wisdom. "I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey," says the lover in Song of Solomon 5:1; and the psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are "sweeter than honey and the honeycomb" ( Psalm 19:10; see on Proverbs 25:16). Palestine was a land flowing with milk and honey ( Exodus 3:8); hence is derived the continual reference to this article of diet in the Bible.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Eatאֱכָל־(’ĕ·ḵāl-)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 398:To eathoney,דְבַ֣שׁ(ḏə·ḇaš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1706:Honey, syrupmy son,בְּנִ֣י(bə·nî)Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1121:A sonforכִּי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionit is good,ט֑וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, goodand the honeycombוְנֹ֥פֶת(wə·nō·p̄eṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5317:Flowing honey, honey from the combis sweetמָ֝ת֗וֹק(mā·ṯō·wq)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4966:Sweet, sweetnessto yourעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsttaste.חִכֶּֽךָ׃(ḥik·ke·ḵā)Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 2441:Palate, roof of the mouth, gums
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 24:13 My son eat honey for it (Prov. Pro Pr) |
