Of Hunger & Honeycombs

Proverbs 27:7

Introduction

We are returning to the book of Proverbs for another single Proverb lesson.

This morning we will consider Proverbs 27:7.

Proverbial Observation

Not all Proverbs give us an obvious moral judgment (Prov. 27:7; 14:4; 17:8; 10:15).

Other times a Proverb is very plain in it’s instruction (Prov. 11:1; 12:1; 16:3).

The observation here is that how you perceive blessings, depends on how much you already have.

This is a simple economic observation.

But the importance is not merely economic.

Satisfaction and Ingratitude

There are lessons here at the literal level (Prov. 27:7).

Don’t go shopping on an empty stomach.

Don’t expect your kids to eat a healthy diet if you feed them what they demand.

They WILL get hungry enough to enjoy broccoli.

It requires thoughtfulness to be grateful when there is abundance (Deut. 8:10-14; Hos. 13:4-6; Lk. 17:11-19; Rev. 3:17-18).

Perhaps we need to reduce our abundance to build true gratitude (Matt. 19:21; cf. Matt. 5:29-30).

Satisfaction and Contentment

There is value in reducing our longing for some things (Jer. 31:14; Prov. 5:19).

We need to cultivate a taste for what is good (Phil. 4:8; Ecc. 5:18, 12).

So much of our entertainment and general pastimes are made up of nothing that cultivates patience and attention leading to satisfaction.

It is all calculated to offer satisfaction as quickly as possible and at the lowest possible cost.

Meanwhile, the messages are of discontentment with and rebellion against what is pure and lovely making them into what is prudish and hokey.

I want to so love what is lovely, that what is ugly is repulsive.

Society is working directly the other way.

We are striving for minds that are not tossed by circumstances (Phil. 4:11-13).

Conclusion

Let us become wise by observing, by pondering, by learning from what we see.

Let us not be driven by our unguided appetites but rather take charge of our appetites and point them to what is good.

And let us listen to God to know what that is.

Do you feel the dissatisfaction of life? Come and let God give you water that will leave you truly satisfied.