The book of Proverbs mentions honey several times, and it
does so in a positive light. Here are a few proverbs on honey:
“My son, eat honey, for it is good (24:13).”
“Have you found honey? Eat only as much of it as you need,
lest you be filled with it and vomit (25:16).”
“It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own
glory is not glory (25:27).”
These verses speak of eating honey in moderation, but they
acknowledge that honey is good to eat. The reason I point this out is I have
heard critics of the Bible say that the positive references to honey show that
the Bible is wrong.
After all, they say, isn’t honey high in sugar? The Bible is
an old book written before people knew science; now we know that it is wrong.
If it is wrong about honey, what else is it wrong about?
Honey truly is high in sugar, 82% fructose, to be exact. But
let’s not dismiss honey as something to be avoided just yet. Consider these
redeeming elements of honey:
*Honey lowers Homocysteine, which is associated with
diseases.
*Honey lowers C-Reactive Protein, which is associated with
inflammation.
*Honey lowers LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides.
*Honey raises HDL cholesterol (the “good cholesterol”).
*While honey does raise blood sugar, it does so at a lower
rate than sucrose and dextrose.
*Honey has led to less oxidative stress in lab rats.
*Honey contains antioxidants that fight allergies, lower
risk of disease, and improve overall health.
So yes, it is high in sugar, so it should only be used in
moderation. Which is exactly what the Bible says. And it is good for you. Which
is exactly what the Bible says.
Once again, the Bible was right about science before science
was able to confirm it.
“Scientific study is but the act of thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”
Warren Wiersbe, Be Skillful
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