Proverbs 14:23

KJV

¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

KJV (with Strong's)

In all labour {H6089} there is profit {H4195}: but the talk {H1697} of the lips {H8193} tendeth only to penury {H4270}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty.

Berean Standard Bible

There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

American Standard Version

In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lipstendethonly to penury.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:23 succinctly captures a foundational principle of wisdom: diligent and purposeful effort invariably yields beneficial outcomes, whereas mere verbalization, devoid of corresponding action, leads only to destitution and lack. This verse serves as a powerful call to industriousness and a stern warning against the pitfalls of idleness, empty promises, and unproductive chatter, emphasizing that true prosperity, whether material, spiritual, or relational, is the fruit of active engagement rather than passive rhetoric.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14:23 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22), a large collection of individual, pithy sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. Like many proverbs, this verse employs **contrastive parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where two opposing ideas are set against each other to highlight a profound truth. The first clause, "In all labour there is profit," presents a positive assertion, while the second, "but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury," offers a contrasting negative consequence. This structure makes the wisdom memorable and impactful, guiding the reader toward prudent choices by illustrating the clear distinction between productive action and unproductive speech. The surrounding verses in [Proverbs 14](/proverbs/14 "Proverbs 14 - Wisdom and Folly Contrasted") frequently contrast the wise and the foolish, the diligent and the lazy, and the righteous and the wicked, reinforcing the theme of cause and effect in human behavior, as seen in the blessings promised to the righteous in [Proverbs 14:11](/proverbs/14-11 "Proverbs 14:11 - The House of the Wicked") and the consequences of foolishness in [Proverbs 14:16](/proverbs/14-16 "Proverbs 14:16 - The Wise and the Fool").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was primarily an agrarian society where hard physical labor was essential for survival and prosperity. Farming, shepherding, and craftsmanship demanded consistent diligence. The concept of "profit" (H4195, _môwthâr_) would have been understood not just as financial gain, but as an increase in crops, livestock, or resources necessary for sustenance and well-being. Idleness was not merely a personal failing but a threat to the community's survival, often leading to poverty and dependence. Furthermore, in a culture with a strong oral tradition, words carried significant weight. Promises and vows were binding, and a person's reputation was often built on the reliability of their speech. "Talk of the lips" (H1697, _dâbâr_ and H8193, _sâphâh_) could refer to empty boasting, unfulfilled promises, or simply unproductive chatter that consumed time and energy without yielding tangible results. The "penury" (H4270, _machçôwr_) described was a stark reality for those who failed to work, representing a state of genuine lack and destitution in a society without extensive social safety nets.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it champions the **value of diligence and hard work**, a recurring motif throughout Proverbs, which consistently links industriousness with blessing and prosperity (e.g., [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")). Secondly, it highlights the **folly and danger of idleness and empty rhetoric**. The "talk of the lips" represents a form of spiritual and practical laziness, where words replace deeds, leading to a state of "penury" that extends beyond mere financial lack to encompass a deficit in character, opportunity, and spiritual growth. This contrasts sharply with the emphasis on living out one's convictions, as seen in the New Testament's call for faith to be accompanied by works (e.g., [James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). Finally, the verse underscores the **principle of cause and effect**, a fundamental tenet of wisdom literature: actions (or inactions) have predictable consequences. It promotes a worldview where effort is rewarded and sloth is punished, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their circumstances by aligning their words with productive deeds.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Hebrew, _ʻetseb'_):** From the root `עָצַב` (atzab), this word denotes strenuous toil, burdensome work, or painful exertion. It carries a connotation of effort that is not necessarily easy or pleasant but is nonetheless necessary and productive. It can also refer to sorrow or grief, suggesting that labor often involves difficulty or struggle, yet the proverb assures that even such arduous effort yields positive results.
* **profit (Hebrew, _môwthâr'_):** Derived from `יָתַר` (yathar), meaning "to remain over" or "to excel," _môwthâr_ literally signifies "gain" or "advantage." It implies a surplus, an abundance, or a beneficial outcome that is a direct result of the effort expended. It speaks to the idea that diligent work is never wasted but always produces something valuable beyond the initial input.
* **talk (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** While `דָבַר` (dabar) broadly means "word" or "matter," in this context, when paired with "lips," it refers specifically to speech or utterance. The emphasis is on the act of speaking itself, particularly when it is not accompanied by corresponding action or substance. It points to words that are unproductive, empty, or merely conversational, lacking the weight of commitment or follow-through.
* **penury (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** From `חָסֵר` (chaser), meaning "to lack" or "to be wanting," _machçôwr_ describes a state of deficiency, impoverishment, or extreme want. It vividly portrays the outcome of idleness or empty speech, indicating a condition of destitution, not just financially, but in terms of resources, opportunities, and overall well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In all labour there is profit":** This clause asserts a universal truth: any form of diligent effort, whether physical, mental, or spiritual, inherently produces a beneficial return. The word "all" emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this principle—it applies across every sphere of life. The "profit" is not limited to monetary gain but encompasses growth, achievement, satisfaction, and the development of character. It underscores the divine design that human effort, when applied purposefully, is fruitful.
* **"but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury":** This contrasting clause warns against the futility of mere verbalization without corresponding action. "Talk of the lips" refers to words that are unsubstantiated, empty, or purely conversational, lacking the commitment or follow-through necessary to bring about results. Such speech, rather than yielding profit, leads exclusively ("only") to "penury," a state of severe lack, want, or destitution. This highlights the critical distinction between intention and execution, between words and deeds, and serves as a stark reminder that rhetoric without resolve is ultimately impoverishing.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:23 primarily employs **Contrastive Parallelism**, a fundamental feature of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device sets two opposing ideas or statements side-by-side ("labour" vs. "talk of the lips"; "profit" vs. "penury") to illuminate a central truth more sharply. The stark contrast between the positive outcome of diligence and the negative consequence of empty words makes the proverb's message clear and memorable. Additionally, **Metonymy** is present in the phrase "talk of the lips," where "lips" stand in for the act of speaking or the words themselves. This emphasizes the superficiality of the communication—it's just "lip service" without substance. The phrase "tendeth only to penury" also contains a degree of **Hyperbole**, as it emphasizes the absolute and inevitable negative outcome of a life characterized by empty talk, reinforcing the severity of the warning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical theology of work and human responsibility. From creation, humanity was designed to labor (e.g., [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man in the Garden")), and work is presented not as a curse but as a means of participating in God's ongoing creative and sustaining activity. The "profit" is a reflection of God's blessing on diligent effort, aligning with the principle that God rewards faithfulness and stewardship. Conversely, the warning against "talk of the lips" speaks to the biblical emphasis on integrity and the alignment of one's words with one's actions, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures. It challenges the notion that good intentions or eloquent declarations are sufficient without concrete follow-through, underscoring that true wisdom is practical and manifests in tangible deeds.

* [James 2:26](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")
* [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "2 Thessalonians 3:10 - If Any Would Not Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:23 offers timeless wisdom for navigating contemporary life, urging us to cultivate a robust work ethic in all our endeavors. It challenges us to move beyond mere aspirations and good intentions, transforming them into concrete actions. Whether in our professional careers, academic pursuits, personal relationships, or spiritual disciplines, the principle holds true: consistent, diligent effort yields tangible benefits, fostering growth, achievement, and a sense of purpose. This verse serves as a powerful antidote to procrastination and the temptation to substitute eloquent rhetoric for actual engagement. It calls us to integrity, reminding us that our words gain credibility and power when they are consistently backed by our deeds. Ultimately, it encourages a life of proactive stewardship, where we faithfully invest our time, talents, and energy, trusting that God honors and multiplies our diligent labor, leading us away from the "penury" of unfulfilled potential and toward a life of true flourishing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I prone to "talk of the lips" rather than diligent "labour"?**
* **How can I cultivate a stronger work ethic and ensure my actions align with my words and intentions?**
* **What "profit" have I seen in my life from past periods of sustained effort, and what "penury" have I experienced from idleness or empty promises?**
* **How does this proverb challenge my approach to spiritual growth and service within my community?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb imply that all labor automatically guarantees financial wealth?**

Answer: Not necessarily. While "profit" (H4195, _môwthâr_) can certainly include financial gain, its primary meaning is broader, encompassing any beneficial outcome, advantage, or surplus. This can include personal growth, skill development, satisfaction, a good reputation, strong relationships, spiritual maturity, or even just the provision of basic needs. The proverb emphasizes that effort is never truly wasted and will yield *some* form of positive return, even if it's not always material riches. It counters the idea that hard work is futile or that success comes without effort.

**How does "talk of the lips" apply to spiritual matters? Is speaking about faith or God's Word unproductive?**

Answer: "Talk of the lips" in this context refers to speech that lacks substance, commitment, or follow-through. In spiritual matters, this would mean merely talking *about* faith, prayer, service, or biblical principles without actually *living them out*. For example, someone might eloquently discuss the importance of charity but never give, or speak about prayer but never pray. The Bible values speaking God's truth and sharing the Gospel (e.g., [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - How Shall They Hear?")), but it consistently pairs such talk with corresponding action and a transformed life (e.g., [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'")). Empty religious talk, boasting about one's piety without genuine devotion, or making spiritual promises one doesn't keep, would indeed tend to "penury" in terms of spiritual growth and blessing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:23 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of diligent "labour" that yielded infinite "profit." Unlike humanity, whose labor is often marred by sin and imperfection, Jesus's entire life was one of perfect, purposeful toil. From His early years, growing in wisdom and stature (e.g., [Luke 2:52](/luke/2-52 "Luke 2:52 - Jesus' Growth")), to His public ministry, where He tirelessly taught, healed, and served (e.g., [Matthew 4:23](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Teaching and Healing")), His life was a continuous outpouring of obedient effort. His words were never mere "talk of the lips" leading to "penury"; rather, His words were always accompanied by divine power and perfect action. He spoke, and it was done (e.g., [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). His ultimate labor was on the cross, where He accomplished the work of redemption (e.g., [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")). The "profit" of His labor is the salvation and eternal life offered to all who believe (e.g., [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and Gift of God")). Through His perfect diligence, He secured for us a richness that far surpasses any earthly gain, transforming our spiritual penury into an abundance of grace and truth (e.g., [John 1:16](/john/1-16 "John 1:16 - From His Fullness We Have All Received")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 28:19

¶ He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain [persons] shall have poverty enough.

Proverbs 12:24

¶ The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

Ecclesiastes 5:3

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice [is known] by multitude of words.

John 6:27

Labour 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.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.