Proverbs 14:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

NIV: Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests.

NASB: Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean; But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.

CSB: Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox.

NLT: Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.

KJV: Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

NKJV: Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.

Oxen were essential to farming in Bible times. Farmers used oxen for plowing and hauling. If a farmer did not have an ox, he could not plow his fields and therefore had no harvest. Of course, oxen consume a great deal of food, and they produce a considerable amount of waste. That means a manger—the food trough—and the barn around it needs to be cleaned and stocked often. One must put in unpleasant, menial work to keep the oxen fed and healthy. The reward for that work, however, is something that only the strength of the oxen can provide: a plentiful harvest.

By referring in this verse to the value of oxen, Solomon emphasizes two things. First, animals should be treated appropriately. This is common sense; a well-treated animal is more productive (Proverbs 12:10; Deuteronomy 25:4). Second, hard work pays dividends. No one should expect to realize a profit without earning it. An honest day's work for an honest day's pay is a worthy principle. Trying to feed and clean oxen is difficult, but nowhere near so difficult as trying to farm without them.

Proverbs 14:1–10 continues a long series of short, general-case, common-sense statements of godly wisdom. This section focuses on personal diligence, relationship to the Lord, conversation, witness, prudent behavior, and private emotions. Once again, the spotlight focuses on what is admirable versus that which is disgraceful.

This continues a series of literal "proverbs:" short statements of general-case wisdom. The first ten verses of this chapter contrast positive and negative traits related to work ethic, self-control, and seeking wisdom. Then come several verses contrasting the fate of the righteous with that of the wicked. The rest of this passage provides statements on a broad range of subjects.

Proverbs 14 continues King Solomon's wise sayings. In this chapter he discusses a variety of topics such as wisdom and folly, honesty and dishonesty, righteousness and evil, national security and national disgrace, personal security and destruction, the fear of the Lord, generosity, and wise servanthood. This series of astute comments will continue for several more chapters.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.

Accessed 5/3/2024 10:18:26 AM