What Is the Meaning of Proverbs 14:4?

Before analyzing Proverbs 14:4, it's important to note that, contrary to popular belief, the Bible aims to guide us in every aspect of life. It does not divide life into secular and religious spheres. Instead, God has given us principles for righteous living in all areas (1 Peter 1:3).

That important point noted, let us examine the passage.

Proverbs is an interesting book on the surface, but it is not merely another collection of ancient sayings. Rather, it is a collection of inspired truths in memorable and vivid forms.

Proverbs covers a wide range of topics, including wealth, wisdom, friends, family, work, and worldliness. For a helpful, comprehensive topical index of Proverbs, consult The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, volume five, or Derek Kidner’s commentary on Proverbs in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary Series.

Here is the text of Proverbs 14:4:

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of oxen.”

Have you ever heard someone say, “There are pros and cons to everything”? We make decisions by weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a choice.

Owning oxen has disadvantages. They eat a lot and can be expensive and time-consuming to keep. If you don’t have any oxen, you can save considerable time by keeping a “clean manger” with nothing in it. Note that the Hebrew term translated “manger” (’ebus) means a “feeding-trough” (Brown, Driver, and Briggs 7).

On the other hand, in past generations, oxen were the tools for an abundant harvest. Their cost and inconvenience did not compare with their productivity.

Solomon is not simply giving a lesson in agriculture. Here are two principles:

1. Get the right tools for the job you need to do, and
2. The cost of the right tool is worth it.

This is true for both material and spiritual work.

How many times has money been wasted by trying to cut corners? It is important to be wise in one’s work and financial decisions.

Christians can reap an abundant spiritual harvest by using the right spiritual tools. Good books, study materials, and evangelism aids are invaluable. Build a library of tools. Don’t buy just anything. Get recommendations. The goal is to learn, love, and live the Bible. Good tools will yield great dividends.