Let’s begin by reading Proverbs 25:1, “These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.” This begins a section of this book that contains a selection of proverbs collected and arranged from the writings of Solomon. It was probably by Hezekiah’s command and for his use that these proverbs were collected. Chapters 25-29 contain these proverbs “which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out.” Hezekiah was a godly man who was obviously led of the Lord to share these proverbs of Solomon with us. It is said of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 31:21, “And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.” Oh, that something like that could be said of each one of us!

Let’s read Proverbs 25:16-17, “Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it. Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.” Both of these verses have the same theme: MODERATION. To eat so much honey that you become sick is not wise. To visit with your neighbor so often that he gets tired of you being there and doesn’t want your company anymore is not wise. There is an old saying (not in the Bible) that says, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” That saying seems to repeat the wisdom of this proverb.

The New King James Version translates this verse as, “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.” This is such a practical proverb for us today. If we visit our neighbor too often, he may begin to dread our visits. If we require so much of his time that it inhibits him from his time with his family or with visiting other neighbors, we will become his enemy rather than his friend.

How often is too often to spend time with your neighbor or friend? There is no set rule, but be sensitive to your friend’s ‘body language’. If you sense you have stayed too long, or are visiting too often, just refrain from visiting so often or staying too long. Ask the Lord to guide you in determining your decisions about this. Proverbs 18:24 tells us, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly…” One way to be friendly is to know how to keep your visits welcome instead of dreaded.

Proverbs 18:24 goes on to say, “…there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.” This is speaking of the Lord. Let’s be clear about this, dear friend, we CANNOT visit with the Lord too often. He NEVER tires of us. In fact, He “shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4) He is ALWAYS awake and ALWAYS welcomes our time with Him. The Lord desires to be with us. To the believer, the Lord says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Do you dread visits with the Lord? Are you tired of His presence in your life? Do you turn your ear away when He knocks on your door? I surely hope not. He is that friend that “sticketh closer than a brother.” He wants your constant presence, your fellowship, your praise and worship (for He certainly deserves it). While we need to be careful about visiting our neighbor too often, may we be constantly reminded of Psalms 100:2, “Serve the LORD with gladness: COME BEFORE HIS PRESENCE with singing.” 1 Chronicles 16:27 tells us, “Glory and honour are IN HIS PRESENCE; strength and gladness are in his place.” May we determine to spend MUCH TIME with the Lord! (269.10)