Proverbs 14:23

Translation
King James Version
¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
In all work there is profit, but mere talk produces only poverty.
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Berean Standard Bible
There is profit in all labor, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
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American Standard Version
In all labor there is profit; But the talk of the lipstendethonly to penury.
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World English Bible Messianic
In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
In all labour there is abundance: but the talke of the lippes bringeth onely want.
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Young's Literal Translation
In all labour there is advantage, And a thing of the lips is only to want.
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See also
Proverbs 28:19Proverbs 12:242 Thessalonians 3:102 Thessalonians 3:12Ecclesiastes 5:3John 6:27Hebrews 6:10
In the KJVVerse 16,796 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 14:23 encapsulates a foundational principle of divine wisdom: diligent and purposeful effort invariably yields beneficial outcomes, fostering growth and abundance, whereas mere verbalization, devoid of corresponding action, leads only to destitution and lack. This proverb 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 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 and the consequences of foolishness in Proverbs 14:16.
  • 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 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). 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). 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', H6089): 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', H4195): 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.
  • penury (Hebrew, machçôwr', H4270): 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 and yields a positive outcome.
  • "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 and the certainty of its consequence.

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), 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.

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 and divine blessing.

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), but it consistently pairs such talk with corresponding action and a transformed life (e.g., Matthew 7:21). 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), to His public ministry, where He tirelessly taught, healed, and served (e.g., Matthew 4:23), 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). His ultimate labor was on the cross, where He accomplished the work of redemption (e.g., John 19:30). The "profit" of His labor is the salvation and eternal life offered to all who believe (e.g., Romans 6:23). Through His perfect diligence and obedience, 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), and demonstrating that true flourishing comes through active, faithful engagement with God's will.

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Commentary on Proverbs 14 verse 23

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

Note, 1. Working, without talking, will make men rich: In all labour of the head, or of the hand, there is profit; it will turn to some good account or other. Industrious people are generally thriving people, and where there is something done there is something to be had. The stirring hand gets a penny. It is good therefore to keep in business, and to keep in action, and what our hand finds to do to do it with all our might. 2. Talking, without working, will make men poor. Those that love to boast of their business and make a noise about it, and that waste their time in tittle-tattle, in telling and hearing new things, like the Athenians, and, under pretence of improving themselves by conversation, neglect the work of their place and day, they waste what they have, and the course they take tends to penury, and will end in it. It is true in the affairs of our souls; those that take pains in the service of God, that strive earnestly in prayer, will find profit in it. But if men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, and their praying is only the labour of the lips, they will be spiritually poor, and come to nothing.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 23. Public domain.
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Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
Another brother spoke with the same Theodore, and he began to talk about matters of which he had no experience. Theodore said to him, ‘You’ve not yet found a ship to sail in, nor put your luggage aboard, nor put out to sea, and you’re already acting as if you were in the city which you mean to reach. If you make some attempt to do the things you are discussing, then you can talk about them with understanding.’
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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