Proverbs 14:4

KJV

¶ Where no oxen [are], the crib [is] clean: but much increase [is] by the strength of the ox.

KJV (with Strong's)

Where no oxen {H504} are, the crib {H18} is clean {H1249}: but much {H7230} increase {H8393} is by the strength {H3581} of the ox {H7794}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean; but much is produced by the strength of an ox.

Berean Standard Bible

Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox.

American Standard Version

Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:4 offers a profound and practical insight into the nature of productivity and prosperity, drawing a vivid analogy from the agrarian life of ancient Israel. It posits that while an absence of working animals leads to a clean and orderly environment, such tidiness comes at the cost of significant output. Conversely, true abundance and increase are the direct result of the laborious, often messy, but powerful efforts exerted by productive resources, symbolized by the strength of the ox. This proverb challenges the pursuit of pristine order over fruitful endeavor, advocating for diligent engagement and the acceptance of the necessary "mess" that accompanies genuine progress and blessing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is part of a larger collection of Solomon's wisdom, often referred to as "the proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22). This chapter, like many in the book of Proverbs, presents a series of pithy, contrasting statements designed to instruct the reader in practical wisdom for daily living. The verses frequently juxtapose the path of the wise with that of the foolish, highlighting the consequences of each. Proverbs 14:4 stands as a standalone aphorism, yet it aligns with the broader theme of diligence, hard work, and the pursuit of true prosperity found throughout the book, such as the warnings against laziness in [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") or the blessings of diligent hands in [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligent Hands Bring Wealth"). It serves as a practical illustration of the principle that valuable outcomes often require significant, sometimes inconvenient, effort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in most ancient societies, agriculture was the backbone of the economy and daily life. Oxen were indispensable assets, serving as the primary source of power for plowing fields, threshing grain, and transporting goods. A family's wealth and survival were often directly tied to the productivity of their land, which in turn depended heavily on their livestock, particularly oxen. The "crib" (or manger) was the feeding trough where these animals were kept and fed. A "clean crib" would literally mean no oxen were present, implying a lack of agricultural activity and thus no produce. The proverb speaks directly to this agrarian reality, using a universally understood observation—that working animals create mess—to convey a deeper truth about the relationship between effort, mess, and reward. Owning and maintaining oxen was a significant investment and responsibility, but it was understood as a necessary means to secure a bountiful harvest and sustain life.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 14:4 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores **The Value of Diligence and Hard Work**, asserting that "much increase" is directly linked to the "strength of the ox," symbolizing sustained, powerful effort. This aligns with the biblical emphasis on labor as a divine mandate and a means of provision, as seen in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man to Work the Garden"). Secondly, it highlights **The Inevitability of "Mess" in Productivity**. A clean crib is presented as the antithesis of "much increase," teaching that worthwhile endeavors inherently involve challenges, disorder, and the need to manage complexities. This principle extends beyond agriculture to all areas of life where significant output is desired. Thirdly, the proverb subtly addresses **Cost-Benefit Analysis and Stewardship**. It implicitly argues that avoiding the "mess" and effort (the cost) also means forfeiting the "increase" (the benefit). True prosperity often demands responsible engagement with resources and a willingness to embrace the responsibilities that come with them, reflecting principles of good stewardship found throughout Scripture, such as in the Parable of the Talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **crib (Hebrew, _ʼêbûwç'_):** From H18, meaning "a manger or stall." This word specifically denotes the feeding trough for animals. In the proverb, the "crib" represents the immediate environment of productive labor. A "clean crib" therefore signifies an absence of the very activity that leads to agricultural output, implying idleness or lack of productive engagement.
* **clean (Hebrew, _bar'_):** From H1249, meaning "pure, empty." In this context, "clean" carries the connotation of being empty or devoid of the signs of activity. It's a cleanliness born of inactivity, not of diligent maintenance of a productive space. The proverb contrasts this sterile cleanliness with the fruitful, albeit messy, environment where oxen are at work.
* **strength (Hebrew, _kôach'_):** From H3581, meaning "vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)." Here, "strength" refers to the raw power, capacity, and enduring effort of the ox. It is this vigorous application of power that directly results in the "much increase," emphasizing that substantial gain requires substantial input and robust capability.
* **increase (Hebrew, _tᵉbûwʼâh'_):** From H8393, meaning "income, i.e. produce (literally or figuratively); fruit, gain, revenue." This term denotes the positive outcome or yield. In an agricultural context, it refers to the harvest, crops, or livestock offspring. Figuratively, it represents profit, growth, or prosperity in any endeavor. The proverb directly links this desired "increase" to the "strength of the ox," establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between effort and reward.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Where no oxen [are]":** This initial clause sets the condition. It describes a situation where the primary means of agricultural labor (oxen) are absent. This absence implies a lack of farming activity, whether due to poverty (no animals to own), idleness (no desire to work them), or a deliberate choice to avoid the associated difficulties.
* **"the crib [is] clean":** This is the immediate, observable consequence of the absence of oxen. Without animals eating from it, the feeding trough remains tidy, free from hay, manure, and the general disorder that accompanies livestock. This "cleanliness" is presented not as a virtue but as a symptom of inactivity, a superficial order that masks a deeper lack.
* **"but much increase [is]":** This introduces a strong contrast ("but"), shifting the focus to the alternative. "Much increase" refers to abundant produce, profit, or prosperity. This clause highlights the desired outcome that is missing in the first part of the proverb. It sets up the idea that true abundance is not found in the absence of effort.
* **"by the strength of the ox":** This final clause reveals the source of the "much increase." It is through the powerful, diligent, and sustained labor of the ox that the desired abundance is achieved. The "strength" of the ox symbolizes the necessary hard work, effort, and even the "mess" that must be embraced to yield significant results.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:4 employs several effective literary devices to convey its wisdom. The primary device is **Metonymy**, where "the crib" stands in for the entire agricultural enterprise or, more broadly, any productive endeavor. A clean crib represents an environment free from the "mess" of work, symbolizing inactivity or a desire for ease. The "ox" and its "strength" serve as a **Symbol** for diligent, powerful, and often messy labor. The proverb is structured as a **Contrast**, juxtaposing the "clean crib" (representing idleness and lack of output) with "much increase" (representing prosperity through effort). This stark comparison highlights the central message. Furthermore, it functions as a classic **Proverbial Wisdom** statement, presenting a concise, memorable truth derived from common observation (agrarian life) and applying it to universal principles of cause and effect, particularly regarding work, effort, and reward. The underlying **Cause and Effect** relationship is central: lack of effort (no oxen, clean crib) leads to no increase, while effort (strength of the ox) leads to much increase.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb deeply resonates with the biblical theology of work, stewardship, and fruitfulness. It challenges a superficial pursuit of ease or order at the expense of productivity, asserting that genuine blessing and abundance are often found on the other side of diligent, sometimes difficult, labor. God designed humanity to work (as seen in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Man to Work the Garden")), and the earth is designed to yield its increase through human effort. The "mess" associated with the ox's labor can be seen as the inherent challenges, complexities, and even suffering that accompany any worthwhile endeavor, whether physical, intellectual, or spiritual. The proverb teaches that embracing these difficulties is a prerequisite for experiencing God's promised increase and blessing. It underscores the principle that God often blesses the work of our hands, but there must be hands at work.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Diligent Hands Bring Wealth")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:10](/2_thessalonians/3-10 "If Anyone Will Not Work")
* [Galatians 6:7-9](/galatians/6-7 "Sowing and Reaping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 14:4 is a timeless reminder that true progress and significant gain rarely come without effort, inconvenience, and the willingness to engage with the "mess" of life. In an age that often prioritizes comfort, instant gratification, and the avoidance of difficulty, this proverb calls us to embrace diligence and perseverance. Whether in our careers, relationships, personal growth, or spiritual disciplines, the principle holds: a desire for a "clean crib" (an easy, trouble-free path) will inevitably lead to a lack of "increase." Conversely, committing to the "strength of the ox"—the hard work, problem-solving, and resilience required—is the pathway to genuine fruitfulness and abundance. It encourages us to reframe challenges not as obstacles to avoid, but as integral parts of the process of growth and blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you prioritizing a "clean crib" (ease or avoidance of effort) over "much increase" (significant growth or fruitfulness)?**
* **What "mess" (challenges, discomforts, or complexities) are you currently avoiding that might be a prerequisite for the "increase" you desire?**
* **How can you apply the "strength of the ox" – diligent, consistent effort – to a specific goal or area of development in your life this week?**
* **How does this proverb challenge your perception of success and the effort required to achieve it?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb suggest that messiness is always good or desirable?**

Answer: No, the proverb does not advocate for messiness for its own sake. Rather, it highlights that certain kinds of "mess" are an inevitable byproduct of productive activity. A clean crib is desirable in itself, but if its cleanliness is due to a lack of productive work (no oxen), then it signifies a lack of "increase." The proverb teaches that if you want the fruit (the increase), you must be willing to accept the labor and its accompanying disorder. It's about prioritizing fruitfulness over superficial tidiness or ease.

**How can this ancient agricultural proverb apply to modern life, especially for those not involved in farming?**

Answer: The principle of Proverbs 14:4 is highly transferable to all areas of modern life. The "oxen" represent any valuable resource or effort, and the "crib" represents the environment where that effort takes place. For example, in business, a "clean crib" might be a perfectly organized, quiet office with no projects, clients, or deadlines—leading to no "increase" in revenue or impact. "Much increase" comes from the "strength of the ox" – the hard work of innovation, problem-solving, client engagement, and dealing with the inevitable challenges and complexities (the "mess") that accompany growth. Similarly, in relationships, a "clean crib" might be avoiding difficult conversations or emotional vulnerability, leading to a lack of "increase" in intimacy and depth. True connection (increase) comes from the "strength of the ox" – the effort of honest communication, forgiveness, and mutual sacrifice, which can often be "messy" but ultimately fruitful. This proverb encourages embracing the necessary effort and its byproducts in any domain where meaningful results are desired, from personal development to spiritual growth, as seen in the call to "work out your salvation" in [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Philippians 2:12 - Work Out Your Salvation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of the "strength of the ox" leading to "much increase," Christ embodies the ultimate "strength" and willingness to embrace the "mess" for the sake of an unparalleled "increase." His life was not one of a "clean crib" or ease; rather, it was marked by tireless labor, opposition, and profound suffering. He willingly entered into the "mess" of human sin and brokenness, taking on the form of a servant ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humility")), ministering to the sick, the outcast, and the spiritually needy. The ultimate "mess" was the cross—a place of unimaginable pain, shame, and divine judgment. Yet, it was precisely through this ultimate act of strength and sacrifice, through His death and resurrection, that the "much increase" of salvation, redemption, and new life for all who believe was achieved ([John 12:24](/john/12-24 "John 12:24 - A Grain of Wheat")). The "strength of the ox" in the proverb foreshadows the divine power of Christ, who, "for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus")). His "messy" path on earth culminated in the clean crib of an empty tomb, leading to the glorious "increase" of a multitude of redeemed souls and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

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

1 Corinthians 9:9

For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?

1 Corinthians 9:11

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, [is it] a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?

Proverbs 13:23

¶ Much food [is in] the tillage of the poor: but there is [that is] destroyed for want of judgment.

Amos 4:6

¶ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.