Too Much of a Good Thing

Proverbs 25:27

It is not good to eat much honey, nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.

Now that spring is here, I greatly look forward to a double-dip ice cream cone. What if, however, I were to have this every day for all summer? Without question, the ice cream cone would become quite distasteful to me.

Proverbs 25:27 warns us of two things: (1) the danger of living for the pleasures of the senses and (2) the danger of living for the praise of men.

Eaten in moderation, the ice cream cone can be a delicious treat. John Calvin talks about enjoying the “dainties” of life as one of God’s blessing to us that we should not scorn. Ultimately, as with all material delights in this life, they will never deeply satisfy our soul’s deepest desires. Carefully, then, guard your desires for using these “treats” for bad ends.

In the same way, seeking the praise of men can be injurious to one. In proper amouts, praise can greatly encourage, give added confidence to one’s gifts, and give proper due honor. However, if we seek to make ourselves popular, it is really to our shame. People will “see through us” and give us no honor at all. Carefully, then, guard your desire to want man’s praises.

Mark 10:45 reminds us that our Lord did not come to be served, but to serve. He did not seek his own glory or praise, but sought only the praise of his Father. Seek to bring praises to our creator God, and do enjoy that ice cream cone today.

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