Jacob wanted to add some extra to make the pot a little sweeter. In our life we must take along some honey.

1. TAKE A LITTLE HONEY
Genesis 43:11
And their father Israel said to them, "If it
must be so, then do this: Take some
of the best fruits of the land in your
vessels and carry down a present for
the man--a little balm and a little
honey, spices and myrrh, pistachio
nuts and almonds.

2. The Text

Famine in Palestine – go to Egypt for grain

Trying to gain favor with Egypt

Take some fruit, balm, honey, spices, myrrh,
pistachio nuts, and almonds

Take double money, return the money in the sacks

Take Benjamin

Genesis 43:14 And may God Almighty give
you mercy before the man, that he may release
your other brother and Benjamin. If I am
bereaved, I am bereaved!"

3. Take Honey

Hebrew word – debash

Can refer to bee honey

Also to grapes, squeezed, boiled down to 1/3 –
making a thick syrup – like grape jelly

Bee honey was useful, but it was not rare or
expensive

Grape debash – was rare and very expensive in
Egypt

4. What's the point?

The important thing was the money for grain

Important was to return the money in their
sacks from the previous trip

Honey and nuts were “to boot” - offer them to
“sweeten the pot” - something extra

Sell corn – give them 13 ears

Sell a horse – throw in the saddle and bridle

5. Show some kindness in life

Jacob 
Wanted to get on the
“good side” of the
man in Egypt

Sent extras to show
appreciation

6. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey =
kindness

1 Corinthians 13:4
Love suffers long and
is kind

Ephesians 4:32 And
be kind to one
another,
tenderhearted,
forgiving one another,
just as God in Christ
forgave you.

7. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey =
kindness

Colossians 3:12 Therefore,
as the elect of God, holy and
beloved, put on tender
mercies, kindness, humility,
meekness, longsuffering

2 Peter 1:5-7 5 But also for
this very reason, giving all
diligence, add to your faith
virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to
knowledge self-control, to self-
control perseverance, to
perseverance godliness, 7 to
godliness brotherly kindness,
and to brotherly kindness love.

8. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey = kindness

Home

Spouse

Children

Visitors

Phone calls

9. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey = kindness

Home

Church

Elders

Deacons

Preacher

One another

1
Thessalonians
2:7 But we were
gentle among
you, just as a

10. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey = kindness

Home

Church

Brethren

Proverbs 18:21 Death
and life are in the power
of the tongue, And those
who love it will eat its
fruit.

Genesis 50:21 Now
therefore, do not be
afraid; I will provide for
you and your little ones."
And he comforted them
and spoke kindly to
them.

11. Show some kindness in life

Jacob

Honey = kindness

Home

Church

Brethren

Everyday
business

Servant sent to find a
wife for Isaac

Genesis 24:12 Then he
said, "O Lord God of my
master Abraham, please
give me success this
day, and show kindness
to my master Abraham.

12. Conclusion

How can I show kindness in my
life?

Where can I take along some
honey?

NOT: How can others treat me
better?

BUT: How can I show kindness to
others?