25 Bible Verses About Bees (With Commentary)
Bees are remarkable creatures with a purposeful existence, and the Bible makes intriguing references to them. Today, we’ll delve into Bible verses about bees, uncovering valuable lessons about diligence, community, and the natural world.
What Does the Bible Say About Bees?
In the Bible, bees are mentioned several times, often in the context of producing honey. For example, in Psalm 19:10, it says that God’s word is sweeter than honey, and in Judges 14:8-9, Samson found honey in the carcass of a lion. This shows the significance of bees and their honey in the lives of the people in biblical times.
Additionally, the Promised Land is described as a land flowing with milk and honey in Exodus 3:17, emphasizing the abundance and richness of the land that God was going to give to the Israelites. This imagery of honey provided by bees signifies the blessings and provision that God bestows on his people.
Furthermore, in Isaiah 7:18, bees are mentioned as a symbol of God’s judgment and discipline upon his people. This reflects how God can use even the small creatures like bees to bring about his purpose and convey a message to humanity.
In sum, when we look at the references of bees in the Bible, we see that they are used to symbolize abundance, blessing, judgment, and even the sweetness of God’s word. This reveals that bees have been an integral part of biblical imagery and give us a deeper understanding of the significance of these creatures in the context of God’s provision and divine messages.
Bible Verses About Bees
Proverbs 6:6
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!”
This verse compares bees to ants, emphasizing the lesson of diligence and hard work that can be learned from observing the small creatures. Just as bees work tirelessly to gather nectar and create honey, we should also be diligent in our tasks and responsibilities.
Proverbs 16:24
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Similar to how honey is sweet and comforting, gracious words have the power to uplift and bring healing to those who receive them. This verse reminds us of the importance of speaking with kindness and compassion for the benefit of others.
Matthew 6:26
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Just as God provides for the birds of the air, who do not work for their own sustenance, He also promises to provide for us. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision and reminds us of our inherent value and worth in His eyes.
Psalms 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Every day is a gift from God, and this verse calls us to find joy and gratitude in each day. Just as bees diligently gather nectar to create honey, we too should actively seek out reasons to rejoice and be glad in the Lord’s blessings.
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.”
Love should be the driving force behind all our actions and decisions. Just as bees work together harmoniously in their hive, this verse reminds us to approach everything we do with a spirit of love towards God and others.
Proverbs 24:13-14
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
This verse draws a parallel between the sweetness of honey and the value of wisdom. Just as honey brings pleasure and nourishment, wisdom brings guidance and a hopeful future. It encourages us to seek after wisdom and promises that it will lead to a fruitful life.
Psalm 19:10
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.”
Fearing God and living in accordance with His commands leads to a life of righteousness and stability. Just as bees follow the structure and order within their hive, this verse reminds us of the importance of honoring and obeying God’s decrees.
Proverbs 24:13-14
“Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.”
This verse draws a parallel between the sweetness of honey and the value of wisdom. Just as honey brings pleasure and nourishment, wisdom brings guidance and a hopeful future. It encourages us to seek after wisdom and promises that it will lead to a fruitful life.
Psalm 19:10
“The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.”
Fearing God and living in accordance with His commands leads to a life of righteousness and stability. Just as bees follow the structure and order within their hive, this verse reminds us of the importance of honoring and obeying God’s decrees.
Proverbs 15:16
“Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil.”
This verse highlights the value of prioritizing our relationship with God over material wealth and worldly success. Just as the small amount of honey produced by bees is more valuable than great turmoil, walking in the fear of the Lord brings greater peace and contentment.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
These verses provide a comprehensive description of love. Just as bees work together selflessly for the good of their hive, this passage encourages us to love one another with patience, kindness, and humility. It serves as a guide for how we should interact with others in a way that reflects the selfless love of Christ.
Psalm 138:8
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
This verse is a reminder of God’s faithfulness and love towards His children. Just as bees fulfill their purpose by diligently working in their hive, we can trust that God will fulfill His purposes for us and that His steadfast love will never fail.
Proverbs 16:32
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.”
This verse emphasizes the value of patience and self-control. Just as bees work together with discipline and order, this passage encourages us to exercise self-control in our actions and relationships, understanding that patience and self-control bring greater rewards than impulsive decisions or aggression.
James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
These words of wisdom echo the harmony and cooperation seen in a beehive. Just as bees communicate with one another and work together, this verse calls us to listen attentively, speak with thoughtfulness, and avoid hasty anger. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining healthy and respectful relationships.
Proverbs 12:14
“From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things, and the work of their hands brings them reward.”
This verse emphasizes the power of our words and actions. Just as bees bring forth honey from the work of their hands, this passage encourages us to use our words and actions to bring forth good and bless others. It reminds us that our hard work will be rewarded.
Psalms 19:1
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
Observing the intricate and beautiful creation of bees can lead us to a greater appreciation of God’s handiwork. This verse encourages us to look at the wonders of nature and recognize the glory and creativity of our Creator.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Just as bees gather nectar and produce honey, we are called to let our lives be a testimony of God’s goodness and love. This verse reminds us to live in a way that reflects the character of Christ, so that others may be drawn to glorify God.
Proverbs 14:23
“All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of diligent and meaningful work. Just as bees tirelessly gather nectar to create honey, this passage encourages us to actively work towards our goals and aspirations, understanding that hard work leads to rewards.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Similar to the perseverance of bees in gathering nectar, this verse reminds us not to grow weary in doing good. It reassures us that our efforts will be rewarded in due time if we remain steadfast and do not give up.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Just as bees work diligently for the benefit of their hive, this verse encourages us to approach our work and responsibilities with wholeheartedness and a mindset of serving the Lord. It reminds us to bring excellence and integrity into every task we undertake.
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Similar to how bees communicate and gather instructions within their hive, this verse reminds us not only to hear the Word of God but to also put it into practice. It encourages us to live out our faith in obedience to God’s commands and to avoid deceiving ourselves by only hearing but not doing.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Just as bees work together harmoniously in their hive, this verse describes the qualities of godly wisdom. It highlights the importance of pursuing wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, compassionate, humble, and sincere. It serves as a guide for cultivating harmonious relationships and making wise decisions.
Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and the one who is wise saves lives.”
Similar to how bees pollinate flowers, this verse highlights the positive impact that righteous and wise individuals can have on others. It reminds us of the importance of living a life of righteousness and wisdom, as it brings life and blessings to those around us.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Just as bees work together cooperatively, this verse encourages us to live in harmony with others. It reminds us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another, reflecting the love and forgiveness we have received from Christ.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Just as bees trust their queen and follow her lead, this verse invites us to trust in the Lord wholeheartedly. It encourages us to submit our plans, decisions, and desires to His will, recognizing that He will guide and direct us on the right path.
