Proverbs Chapter 14 · Verse 23
In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
Original Language Analysis
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֶ֭צֶב
In all labour
H6089
עֶ֭צֶב
In all labour
Strong's:
H6089
Word #:
2 of 8
an earthen vessel; usually (painful) toil; also a pang (whether of body or mind)
יִהְיֶ֣ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֣ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
3 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וּדְבַר
but the talk
H1697
וּדְבַר
but the talk
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם
of the lips
H8193
שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם
of the lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
אַךְ
H389
Cross References
Proverbs 28:19He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.Proverbs 12:24The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.Ecclesiastes 5:3For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.Proverbs 10:10He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.1 Timothy 5:13And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Historical Context
Agricultural society offered clear cause-effect: those who worked hard reaped harvests, while those who only talked about farming starved. The metaphor applied to all endeavors requiring diligent effort.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you substitute talking about goals for actually working toward them?
- How can you translate spiritual knowledge into concrete obedient action?
Analysis & Commentary
Labor produces profit, while mere talk brings poverty. This work ethic grounds biblical stewardship—faithful industry fulfills creation mandate while lazy excuse-making violates covenant responsibility. The contrast between doing and talking shows wisdom's practical emphasis on fruitful action.