Pro 14:4 | KingComments | STEP | To be productive, one must use adequate means. For the farmer, oxen are indispensable. The wise farmer will see to it that his cows or oxen are numerous and in good condition. The grain yield runs parallel to the work done by his oxen. A clean manger is convenient, though. If he doesn’t buy cows, he doesn’t have to fill the manger with food. It also doesn’t get dirty in the stable, so he doesn’t have to clean anything (cf. ). This thought may be attractive to the sluggard, but it is a silly thought for those who are after results. This verse indicates that much revenue can be realized with a small investment. An investment in the right means or tools will pay for itself twice over. Likewise, efforts to maintain those means or tools will be reflected in their operation and ultimately in the revenue. Therefore, a productive ox is far preferable to a clean barn. “Much revenue” means a multitude of income from the field after it has been worked by the ox as a plowing animal. And what is the revenue of the ox’s efforts? Food, life. That is the reward of tending the oxen. Obtaining a good result takes time, money and effort. The same is true of obtaining spiritual food. We don’t get that without effort and time, and acquiring and reading Bible study books, which (sometimes) costs money. Walking by faith sometimes causes difficulties. It doesn’t all come naturally. The ox is a picture of someone doing spiritual work ( ). For such a person, fellow believers should take good care. If spiritually speaking there are no oxen, all is desolation and barrenness. In a broader application, it is about using the available strength that each believer has. ‘Troublesome’ believers should not be shunned or even discarded, but care should be given to them. The goal is for them to go back to work for the Lord by passing on the gospel or encouraging those who belong to God’s church.

‏ Proverbs 14:4

A Clean Manger or Much Revenue

To be productive, one must use adequate means. For the farmer, oxen are indispensable. The wise farmer will see to it that his cows or oxen are numerous and in good condition. The grain yield runs parallel to the work done by his oxen. A clean manger is convenient, though. If he doesn’t buy cows, he doesn’t have to fill the manger with food. It also doesn’t get dirty in the stable, so he doesn’t have to clean anything (cf. Amos 4:6a). This thought may be attractive to the sluggard, but it is a silly thought for those who are after results.

This verse indicates that much revenue can be realized with a small investment. An investment in the right means or tools will pay for itself twice over. Likewise, efforts to maintain those means or tools will be reflected in their operation and ultimately in the revenue. Therefore, a productive ox is far preferable to a clean barn.

“Much revenue” means a multitude of income from the field after it has been worked by the ox as a plowing animal. And what is the revenue of the ox’s efforts? Food, life. That is the reward of tending the oxen. Obtaining a good result takes time, money and effort.

The same is true of obtaining spiritual food. We don’t get that without effort and time, and acquiring and reading Bible study books, which (sometimes) costs money. Walking by faith sometimes causes difficulties. It doesn’t all come naturally.

The ox is a picture of someone doing spiritual work (1Cor 9:9-11). For such a person, fellow believers should take good care. If spiritually speaking there are no oxen, all is desolation and barrenness. In a broader application, it is about using the available strength that each believer has. ‘Troublesome’ believers should not be shunned or even discarded, but care should be given to them. The goal is for them to go back to work for the Lord by passing on the gospel or encouraging those who belong to God’s church.