It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Two things are condemned by this verse: narcissism (selfish vain conceit) and hedonism (pleasure-seeking). The two are related, for both are thought to be shortcuts to happiness. When men seek their own happiness, they look for shortcuts to the Town of Happiness. Most men will instinctively seek after happiness through their taste buds and the accolades of others. Whereas the exciting thrills that come by the praise of men are intensely attractive to the average person, they always deliver far less than they promise. The same goes for food, wine, honey, and chocolate cream pie. All these things appear to present the shortest distance to happiness, but none can deliver it. Whatever fulfillment they grant is insubstantial and fleeting.
Specifically condemned here is what we call “fishing for compliments.” Ask yourself why you are so eager to talk of your own exploits or share your accomplishments with others. Why do you tell people about the large fish you caught, or one of your successful business ventures, or even the men that you disciple? Or why would anyone want their name etched into the foundation blocks of some charitable institution? Whether or not somebody wants to give us a little credit for what we have done, this should be of little interest to us. We must agree with the words of Christ in the New Testament: “Therefore when you do your alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (Matt. 6:2).
The sooner children learn this lesson, the better. You may receive a little fame in your life, and you may enjoy a little honey on your toast in the morning. But don’t become fixated on these things as if they are more important than everything else in life. Take the lesson from wise Solomon who had it all. Your only fulfillment in life comes when you give God all the glory due His name. There are more important things to seek in life than your own glory. If you are privileged to receive some reward from men, use it only to get more disciples for Christ, to feed more widows, and to give God more glory. Invest everything in that which has eternal value!
For related commentary, reference Proverbs 25:16.
1. Define narcissism and hedonism.
2. Why is it so tempting to seek pleasure in sweets or human accolades?
3. Where should our pleasures come from? Where do we find true fulfillment in life?