Honeycomb Conundrum

In the world of herbalism there is a concept called the Doctrine of Signatures. It’s a belief that the color and shape of a particular plant (or certain other items in nature) provides information on its best uses. No doubt, you’ve seen the graphics with examples of this doctrine; about how a slice of carrot resembles an eye and lo and behold carrots are known to be good for the eyes. Kidney beans help with kidney function; walnuts with brain function, etc, etc. Though I find it interesting, I’ve never personally put much stock in it and caution others to proceed carefully before putting it into practice.

I am however, absolutely convinced of the infallibility of God’s word. So when I came across the above proverb (16:24) I was intrigued and inspired to dig a little deeper. 

Anyone can plainly see that a honeycomb’s structure (right) greatly resembles the design within bone (left). So is this a “signature” indicating honeycomb is indicated for bone health?

I spent quite a bit of time researching to find scientific studies that exclaimed the benefits of honeycomb on bone structure. And although I did find a few sentences here and there extolling such virtues I was pretty well let down in discovering any significant benefit having a direct impact.

Does science have all the answers? Hardly! There are many substances that work in mysterious ways that are yet to be answered scientifically; just ask any herbalist that has seriously practiced and they will confirm that!

Please note that I am not saying honey is not beneficial. I know it has many great benefits and I use raw honey often. Honeycomb has benefits too, but I’m talking about bones specifically.

So it would seem that today, I am still on the outskirts of putting much faith in the signatures doctrine. But I did say that the bible is true so why doesn’t the proverb seem to pan out?

Here Is Why

Because of an allopathic conditioned mindset of a “take-this-for-that” fix! Furthermore, human nature seems to default to wanting a sign to direct our way (signatures). But especially because sometimes we really can’t see the forest for the trees.

The subject of the proverb is pleasant words, NOT the honeycomb! It’s God’s Word that is the teacher, the comforter and fixer. May each of us take His Word to heart as the foundation from which ALL blessings flow….

References:

The pleasant words here commended must be those which the heart of the wise teaches, and adds learning to (Proverbs 16:23), words of seasonable advice, instruction, and comfort, words taken from God's word, for that is it which Solomon had learned from his father to account sweeter than honey and the honey-comb, (Psalm 19:10). These words, to those that know how to relish them, 1. Are pleasant. They are like the honey-comb, sweet to the soul, which tastes in them that the Lord is gracious; nothing more grateful and agreeable to the new man than the word of God, and those words which are borrowed from it, (Psalm 119:103). 2. They are wholesome. Many things are pleasant that are not profitable, but these pleasant words are health to the bones, to the inward man, as well as sweet to the soul. They make the bones, which sin has broken and put out of joint, to rejoice. The bones are the strength of the body; and the good word of God is a means of spiritual strength, curing the diseases that weaken us. ~ Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible.

Honey took its place not only among the luxuries, but among the medicines of the Israelites. This two-fold use made it all the more suitable to be an emblem both of the true Wisdom which is also true obedience, and of the “pleasant words” in which that Wisdom speaks. ~ Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible.