¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.
In all labour {H6089} there is profit {H4195}: but the talk {H1697} of the lips {H8193} tendeth only to penury {H4270}.
In all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty.
There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lipstendethonly to penury.
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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.
Context
Proverbs 14:23 is a classic example of Hebrew wisdom literature, found within the book of Proverbs, which is primarily a collection of short, pithy sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. This verse, like many in Proverbs, uses a contrastive parallelism, presenting two opposing ideas to highlight a fundamental truth. It addresses the universal human experience of work, effort, and the consequences of either diligent action or mere verbalization.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "labour" in this context is often `עָמָל` (`'amal`), which conveys the idea of strenuous toil, exertion, or burdensome work. The "profit" (Hebrew: `מוֹתָר` - `motar`) signifies gain, advantage, or abundance, implying that effort is never truly wasted. On the other hand, "talk of the lips" (Hebrew: `דִּבּוּר שְׂפָתַיִם` - `dibbur s'fatayim`) directly translates to "utterance of lips," emphasizing mere verbal expression without substance. The term "penury" (Hebrew: `מַחְסוֹר` - `machsor`) vividly describes a state of lack, want, or destitution, underscoring the negative outcome of inaction.
Practical Application
Proverbs 14:23 offers timeless wisdom applicable to all aspects of life:
Ultimately, this verse challenges us to align our words with our deeds, emphasizing that genuine advancement and well-being are the fruit of diligent labor, not just empty talk.