A “through the bible” devotion from Proverbs 24.
My son, eat honey, for it is good,
and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste (Proverbs 24:13)
All of a sudden, in the middle of Solomon’s wisdom couplets, I find instructions on what to eat.
Honey has many health benefits. Some quick research reveals that honey soothes coughs, strengthens the immune system, and is good for your heart. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It wards off bacteria and viruses. It’s a natural sweetener that is also good for your gut. In can relieve allergy symptoms, too. God created bees so we’d have honey.
Notable bible figures ate honey. Samson ate honey from a beehive he found in the carcass of a lion. Saul’s son Jonathan was able to fight valiantly after eating some honey. John the Baptist survived in the wilderness across the Jordan eating honey with locusts.
Old Testament law prohibited eating badgers, crabs, owls, lizards, and many other creatures. The list of things we should eat is small: honey, bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper, and that’s all that comes to mind. (Feel free to add to my list.) There is much God permits his people to eat, but few things he commands. I don’t know if this counts, but Paul tells Timothy to drink some wine to settle his stomach.
I put honey in my tea. I really like Honey Nut Cheerios. Honey buns are pretty good. I don’t know if they still make Honeycomb cereal, but that’s really good, even if it’s laden with added sugar. I put a little honey in a salmon teriyaki glaze. So honey-wise, I think I’m doing okay. Everything else? It’s a good thing there’s grace.
Waite for it... 