Proverbs 27:7
“One who is full loathes honey, but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.”
In the book of Proverbs, taking the right course of action or saying the right thing depends on the circumstances you in. The message of this proverb is that it is important to know the situation. Circumstances matter. Some people lose their appetite or energy for certain things precisely because those things are easily attainable.
This proverb matches the old saying, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Honey is naturally sweet and provides energy. However, for those who have a full stomach, it is possible to lose appreciation for the taste and value of honey. Thus, this proverb says that they “loathe” it. On the other hand, anything tastes good to someone who is hungry. Even something sour tastes sweet to someone whose stomach is empty.
Wise people exercise moderation in all things. They do not indulge themselves to excess. They take the time to keep everything in perspective, and as a result they appreciate and enjoy things more. People who indulge themselves to excess lose perspective. As a result, they end up losing appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.
Marriage, for example, is a sweet thing. It is a gift from God. But if a spouse has consumed discontented fantasies of a better or more exciting and fulfilling relationship, they can easily “loathe” their partner and the life together they should be enjoying. On the other hand, the spouse in an abusive relationship would find sweet pleasure in even an average marriage.
Contentment, and the peace it creates, is a choice. Part of the great gain of contentment is the greater enjoyment it brings (Proverbs 15:15; I Timothy 6:6). It is possible to be happy and pleased with whatever you have (Hebrews 13:5-6). It is not luxurious meal that makes a great dinner; it is love at the table, which is a simple choice (Proverbs 15:17). It is not a different spouse that fufills your life, it is loving the spouse you have (Proverbs 5:19).
The world is obsessed with abundance and excess. People today have more than any time in history, yet still scream for more. Many are addicted to covetousness. With almost every conceivable pleasure available, they are neither happy nor satisfied. They rush from one activity to the next, always looking for one satisfying event, which they never find. They overwhelm their senses in a mad search for fulfillment, but in the end it is disappointing.
The truth is that you will not find happiness and fulfillment in another activity, a different spouse, an exotic vacation, a new car, a different house, a better job, etc. Happiness is having your heart right with God … the only true source of joy, peace, and hope.
Keep perspective. Live in moderation. Appreciate what you have.
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4.12,13).
