Proverbs 14

There is so much to unpack in this chapter! I’m just going to highlight a few verses that caught my attention.

Proverbs 14:4, “Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox.” When I read this, I was so confused by it, I prayed the Holy Spirit would give me some understanding.

My first thought was this: Maybe the second half of the verse is saying that we need “an ox” to thrive, but that too many oxen cause the water to be dirty- and we don’t want that either. In 2020 America, the ox might symbolize a career. A career is a good thing to bring “much increase” but if too much of our focus is on work, our water will become dirty. Our priorities and character will become unclear.

My second thought was: Maybe it’s saying that cleanliness IS important, but not THE MOST important.

Then, I looked up a commentary online and what I found somewhat aligned with my first thought. According to christiancourier.com, this passage is trying to explain that there are always pros and cons, and we need to weigh those options. The author also wrote that we need to get the right tools for the job AND for the right price; and to not waste money or effort in unnecessary ways.

Side note

Something important to remember about the proverbs is that they are probable, but not a guarantee. There are many biblical examples of people who lived an upright life but did not receive the “promises” of the proverbs (like Job). That being said, they are still from God and should be taken as serious advice.

Proverbs 14:23, “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

I’ve often struggled with the balance of “relationship building” and working at work. I want friends, so I usually welcome the chatter, but then I regret it when I’ve wasted an hour or more of time at work. According to this proverb, it seems like when I’m at work, I should be doing work and we can save the chat for another time. I could learn to say, “I would love to chat with you. Would you mind if I finished this task and then we went somewhere to continue talking?” Then I’m managing the relationship but also not “idly chatting” at work and it’s biblical to do so!

Finally, Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to the people.”

Most of the proverbs so far have been in the singular- they have been about the individual. This one is about the multitudes, the nations. How the individual acts has a ripple effect on the nation. Consequences of sin are not our own to bear, but reflect on all the people.

Lord, thank you for this book of wisdom. I pray that these scriptures would be inscribed on my heart and I can learn to walk in all your ways and uphold these passages. I pray that I am mindful of the tools I use to get the job done, as well as the costs. And that I may do more labor than chatting at work. I also ask forgiveness for my sins so they do not reflect poorly on my nation, but that I may be a person who brings righteousness to my people. Thank you for your love, your patience, and your Holy Spirit for wise counsel each and every day. In Jesus name, Amen.