This passage shares a common strand of having wisdom to practice self-control. We must heed wisdom by not eating too many high calorie sweets, not being a pesky neighbor, not being too naive of sly people, not singing whenever we want, not speaking too critically, not backbiting, not quarreling constantly with our family members, and not compromising with wicked people. In verse 27, the writer emphasizes again: Don't eat too much honey. And in the same breath, he adds on: Don’t seek your own glory. Just like we are strongly tempted by sweets, we are keen to seek our own glory. And our vanity will be our downfall (28).

Another thread here is to forgive our enemies. People irrationally want to get even with their enemies. But when we have self-control, we can serve our enemies when they are most vulnerable—when they are hungry and thirsty. In doing so, we truly put our enemies to shame. And the best part here: God promises to reward us. God in heaven does not treat us as our sins deserve. So, how about you?
Application: Father, thank you for not treating me as my sins deserve. Help me to control myself and to forgive, love, and serve my enemy.
One Word: Love and serve my enemy