Proverbs 14:4 | DiscipleDeck

Bible Commentary

Proverbs 14:4

Productivity is messy. The clean crib with no oxen is the picture of ease without fruit. Real increase comes from accepting the effort — and the mess — that comes with diligent work. A risk-free life is often an unfruitful one.

Memory phrase: Hard work brings increase.

Talk about it: Why is something messy sometimes a sign of good work?

Prayer: God, help me do the hard and good work.

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Proverbs 14 — OverviewProverbs 14 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleWisdom and Folly.Proverbs 14 — OverviewProverbs 14 · Little Bible — for children and parentsProverbs 14 is a collection of sharp contrasts between the wise and the foolish, the righteous and the wicked. It covers the home, the heart, the tongue, the poor, the king, and the nation — showing that wisdom and…Proverbs 14:1-7Proverbs 14:1-7 · The Pulpit CommentaryTraits of wisdom and folly I. FEMININE WISDOM. (Proverbs 14:1.) 1. Its peculiar scope is the home. Women are physically and morally constructed with a view to the stationary life and settled pursuits of home. Its…Proverbs 14:1-35Proverbs 14:1-35 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION Proverbs 14:4Proverbs 14:4 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleNote, 1. The neglect of husbandry is the way to poverty: Where no oxen are, to till the ground and tread out the corn, the crib is empty, is clean; there is no straw for the cattle, and consequently no bread for…Proverbs 14:4Proverbs 14:4 · The Pulpit CommentaryWhere no oxen (cattle) are, the crib is clean. This does not mean, as some take it, that labour has its rough, disagreeable side, yet in the end brings profit; but rather that without bullocks to labour in the fields,…

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