Proverbs 14:23

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

• The Value and Reward of Diligence: The first part of the verse, "In all labour there is profit," underscores the biblical principle that hard work, effort, and diligent application inevitably yield positive results. This isn't just about financial gain, but also about personal growth, satisfaction, and the fulfillment of purpose. It encourages an active, industrious approach to life, whether in one's vocation, studies, or spiritual pursuits.
• The Folly of Empty Talk: In stark contrast, "but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury" warns against the dangers of idleness, boasting, empty promises, or mere verbal declarations without accompanying action. "Talk of the lips" refers to words that lack substance, commitment, or follow-through. Such unproductive chatter, boasting, or procrastination ultimately leads to "penury"—a state of extreme poverty, want, or destitution, both literally and figuratively. This highlights the critical distinction between intention and execution, between words and deeds.
• Action Over Inaction: The verse champions doing over merely saying. It is a call to be a doer, not just a hearer or a speaker. True success and well-being are presented as the fruit of active engagement and persistent effort, rather than passive wishing or empty rhetoric. This aligns with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of works alongside faith, as seen in James 2:26.

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:

• Work Ethic: It encourages diligence in all endeavors, from one's profession to household responsibilities. It reminds us that consistent effort, even in seemingly small tasks, accumulates into significant gains. This resonates with similar proverbs like Proverbs 10:4, which states, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich."
• Integrity and Promises: The verse serves as a warning against making promises or commitments that one does not intend to keep. Empty words not only yield no profit but can also lead to a deficit in trust and opportunity.
• Spiritual Growth: In the spiritual realm, merely talking about faith or good intentions without corresponding actions (like prayer, service, or studying God's Word) will not lead to spiritual maturity or blessing. True spiritual "profit" comes from actively living out one's faith.
• Avoiding Procrastination: It's a powerful antidote to procrastination, urging individuals to move beyond planning and discussion into concrete action to achieve their goals and avoid the "penury" of missed opportunities. The ant's industry in Proverbs 6:6-11 serves as a further example of this principle.

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.