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Proverbs 14:4


I've been reading proverbs lately, but I haven't been able to understand this verse! What is the context that this applies to? Is there some kind of metaphor? I can understand the second clause "from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests". This part seems somewhat easily understood. But for the first part, why would you not want oxen in the first place?

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6 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

I usually take proverbs to be straightforward about earthly affairs. They often fall under the theme of Ecclesiastes:

A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God (Ecclesiastes 2:24)

This proverb might be a word of wisdom to farmers, touching on laziness or reluctance to work in the grime of hard labor. A framer might not like working hard with oxen because of the mess they make in the barn. They would prefer the manger to be’ empty’ as indicating ‘cleanliness’ (or’ empty’ could signify poverty). I lean to the cleanliness aspect of the barn resulting in poverty from the lack of harvest.

Accordingly, not only having to feed oxen and getting dirty oneself, but all the dung and waste that they would have had to clean up. However, to really accept the work that we have been assigned by the ‘sweat of out brow’ and the kindness that God provisioned in man’s use of stronger animals, man can reap a good harvest.

A farmer, who just wants a tidy place to relax in, will have nothing but poverty.

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Thanks, it might be easier if I read these together with Ecclesiastes. –  Chris Harris Jun 27 '12 at 5:46
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The simple meaning is to take care of your tools and work animals, because you'll regret it when they are not there.

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I agree with Jas with the exception that I want to point out that Proverbs 14:4 applies not only to ministers but all those who labor. People make mistakes and cause problems but its through people that work is accomplished. Every employee requires the labor of an employer. The "perfect" employee will never work for you because you are not the "perfect" employer and vice versa. God doesn't disregard people because they make messes, mistakes or sin. He does "fire" people but it is a severe punishment for pride and rejecting correction.



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God's way of saying, "Dung" Happens. Even though we might have to, and it's never fun to clean up the poop, it's worth it in the long run because of how much good can come from the ox. Much like how God uses adversary in our lives to produce a good outcome in the end.

Anyhow, that's my take on it. Blessings

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Also, see the about page as well. I hope to see you again soon. –  fredsbend Sep 1 '13 at 14:29
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A proverb uses equal and opposite idealism to get its point across. If no work is being done, then you have no fruits from labor. If much work is being done, then you have much fruits from labor. This was not to suggest that no work should be done. The oxen was used in those days as a worker, and the manger being empty was showing what results from no work being done. Proverbs 14:4 overall could be literally suggesting to the people of those days to purchase an oxen to enjoy in abundant harvests. Or allegorically, start getting to work if you want abundant harvests, else wise your food storage will be empty.

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Back in the day, an ox was very important to a farmer. Maybe the only way to harvest. This reminds me of Luke 10:2 niv


A church needs people that will bring others otherwise it will not grow.

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