Proverbs 25:27 Meaning and Explanation
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Just as excess honey is harmful, seeking one's own glory brings no real honor.
The Context of Proverbs 25:27
The futility of seeking one's own glory.
What Does Proverbs 25:27 Mean?
The first part echoes verse 16: too much of even good things is bad. Honey in excess causes sickness. The verse then applies this principle to glory and honor. A person who pursues his own glory—who constantly boasts, seeks praise, and works to elevate himself—does not gain true honor; instead, he becomes a figure of derision.
Real honor comes from being respected by others, from doing good, and from being recognized for virtue. When you openly seek it for yourself, you corrupt it. True glory is something given to you by others in response to your character and deeds, not something you can claim for yourself. The pursuit of self-glory undermines the very thing you seek.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:27
What does Proverbs 25:27 mean?
Just as excess honey is harmful, seeking one's own glory brings no real honor.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:27?
The futility of seeking one's own glory.