“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.”—25:27.
Interpretation.—Critics are greatly divided about the meaning of this passage. By some a contrast is supposed between a surfeit of honey which is not good, and the searching (as in a mine) of man’s true glory which is his glory. By others an allusion is assumed to the mysteries of religion, which are sure to oppress and overpower by their glory. The objection to our own version is to the insertion of a “not” in the second clause. But inasmuch as many instances may be found in the Hebrew Scriptures to prove that “the most frequent ellipsis is of the negatives,” we need not forsake our version on that account. Or if so, a meaning more clear and more in harmony with the general tone of the Book than the proposed emendations may be obtained without the “not.” “To surfeit one’s self on honey is not good: so to search after one’s own glory is burdensome.”
Illustrations.—What was the end of the presumptuous Babel-builders’ search after their own glory? The renewal of their burden of building in the new homes they were obliged to find themselves. The Pharisees seeking glory of men subjected themselves to much trouble and disappointment, and remained under the burden of their sins. St. Paul felt it burdensome to be obliged to “boast,” though his aim was simply the glory of God through acceptance of His testimony (2 Cor. 12:1–11). Our Blessed Lord sought not His own glory (John 8:50), and whosoever cometh to Him shall find “rest” unto his soul.
Application.—It would be quite wrong to be indifferent what others think of me. The “don’t care” spirit is proverbially one that tends to ruin. But there is such a thing as “vain glory,” an insatiable appetite for applause and honour. This is not only wrong (Gal. 5:26; Phil. 2:3), but burdensome. It involves a great deal of trouble; efforts of a very despicable nature. There is the seeking great things for one’s self (Jer. 45:5); pandering to others’ tastes; listening for the breath of adulation; fishing for compliments; self-depreciation, with a subtle purpose. And when obtained, this glory, is it worth the cost? Is not the incense of flattery more nauseating than a surfeit of honey? Do I not weary of and despise it in my heart, those who offer it, and myself most of all? Better far that well-merited praise should come to me than be eagerly solicited and sought for. Best of all to “seek by patient continuance in well doing for glory, honor, and immortality,” the aim and inheritance of the wise and good (Rom. 2:7); to seek God’s glory (not my own); for “them that honor Me,” saith God Himself, “I will honor.”
Pearson, C. R. (1881). Counsels of the Wise King; or, Proverbs of Solomon Applied to Daily Life (Vol. 2, p. 102). W. Skeffington & Son. (Public Domain)
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