Proverbs 14:4 meaning
In life, sometimes a clean path seems more desirable than a messy journey. The proverb in question reflects a crucial truth about productivity versus cleanliness. A farmer may wish for a pristine manger, avoiding the necessity of dealing with the dirt that comes from keeping oxen. However, by neglecting to invest in oxen, he sacrifices greater benefits derived from their labor. The underlying principle here emphasizes that minor inconveniences can lead to significant advantages if one is willing to bear the temporary discomforts of maintaining productivity.
Thus, the message is clear: the rewards of hard work often outweigh the inconveniences encountered along the way. A fruitful endeavor requires investment, which may come at the cost of immediate comfort. In light of this, we acknowledge that engaging with life's challenges is often the pathway to greater rewards and fulfillment. As the text reminds us, there can be profound wisdom in choosing productivity over an illusion of ease, as every endeavor carries its own set of challenges that can lead to greater outcomes—an essential insight for both personal and professional growth. The scripture states, "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much increase comes by the strength of the ox." (Proverbs 14:4, NASB95).
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Luke 3:10-14 meaning. After John's fiery warnings, the crowds come to John asking what they should do in order to receive forgiveness and avoid the wrath to come. John tells them to put God's commandment to love your neighbor as yourself into practice by being generous with your possessions. When reviled tax collectors and hated soldiers come and ask John the same question as it applies to them, he gives them a similar answer.
- Matthew 22:23-28 meaning. The Sadducees ask Jesus a loaded question about the resurrection. They introduce their question with an extreme scenario about a woman seven-times married. Their scenario was intended to show the ridiculousness of the resurrection.
- Matthew 22:15-22 meaning. The Pharisees send spies to trap Jesus into saying something against Rome. They bring along some pro-Roman Herodians as conspirators in their plot. They ask Jesus whether it is lawful to pay poll-taxes to Caesar or not. Jesus perceives their trap and calls them on it before answering their question. He asks for a coin and whose likeness it bears. When he is told the image belongs to Caesar, Jesus answers "to render to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."
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