Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox come abundant harvests. New Living Translation Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest. English Standard Version Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. Berean Standard Bible Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. King James Bible Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. New King James Version Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; But much increase comes by the strength of an ox. New American Standard Bible Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean; But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. NASB 1995 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. NASB 1977 Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase comes by the strength of the ox. Legacy Standard Bible Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox. Amplified Bible Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, But much revenue [because of good crops] comes by the strength of the ox. Christian Standard Bible Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox. Holman Christian Standard Bible Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of an ox. American Standard Version Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox. Contemporary English Version Without the help of an ox there can be no crop, but with a strong ox a big crop is possible. English Revised Version Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. GOD'S WORD® Translation Where there are no cattle, the feeding trough is empty, but the strength of an ox produces plentiful harvests. Good News Translation Without any oxen to pull the plow your barn will be empty, but with them it will be full of grain. International Standard Version Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but profits come through the strength of the ox. NET Bible Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is clean, but an abundant harvest is produced by strong oxen. New Heart English Bible Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Webster's Bible Translation Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhere there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. World English Bible Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionWithout oxen a stall [is] clean, "" And great [is] the increase by the power of the ox. Young's Literal Translation Without oxen a stall is clean, And great is the increase by the power of the ox. Smith's Literal Translation In no oxen the stall clean, and much increase in the strength of the ox. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWhere there are no oxen, the crib is empty: but where there is much corn, there the strength of the ox is manifest. Catholic Public Domain Version Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough is empty. But where there are many crops, there the strength of the ox is manifest. New American Bible Where there are no oxen, the crib is clean; but abundant crops come through the strength of the bull. New Revised Standard Version Where there are no oxen, there is no grain; abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWhere there are no oxen, the cribs are clean; but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Where there are no oxen, the stalls are clean, and the abundance of crops is by the power of the ox. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox. Brenton Septuagint Translation Where no oxen are, the cribs are clean; but where there is abundant produce, the strength of the ox is apparent. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Wise Woman…3The proud speech of a fool brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them. 4Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. 5An honest witness does not deceive, but a dishonest witness pours forth lies.… Cross References Proverbs 12:11 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment. Proverbs 13:23 Abundant food is in the fallow ground of the poor, but without justice it is swept away. Proverbs 24:27 Complete your outdoor work and prepare your field; after that, you may build your house. Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the axe is dull and the blade unsharpened, more strength must be exerted, but skill produces success. 1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” Genesis 3:19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” Luke 10:7 Stay at the same house, eating and drinking whatever you are offered. For the worker is worthy of his wages. Do not move around from house to house. 1 Timothy 5:18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” Proverbs 6:6-8 Walk in the manner of the ant, O slacker; observe its ways and become wise. / Without a commander, without an overseer or ruler, / it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food at harvest. Proverbs 10:4 Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth. Proverbs 20:4 The slacker does not plow in season; at harvest time he looks, but nothing is there. Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 28:19 The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty. Matthew 25:14-30 For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ... Treasury of Scripture Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. clean 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. but Proverbs 13:23 Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. 1 Corinthians 9:9-11 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? … Jump to Previous Abundant Clean Crib Crops Empty Grain Great Harvest Increase Manger Ox Oxen Power Revenue Stall StrengthJump to Next Abundant Clean Crib Crops Empty Grain Great Harvest Increase Manger Ox Oxen Power Revenue Stall StrengthProverbs 14 1. A wise woman builds her houseWhere there are no oxen, In ancient agrarian societies, oxen were essential for plowing fields and performing heavy labor. The absence of oxen signifies a lack of resources necessary for productivity and growth. Biblically, oxen are often associated with strength and service (Deuteronomy 25:4). The absence of oxen can symbolize a lack of preparation or investment in what is needed for future success. the manger is empty, but an abundant harvest comes through the strength of the ox. Persons / Places / Events 1. OxenIn ancient agrarian societies, oxen were essential for plowing fields and performing heavy labor. They symbolize strength, productivity, and the means to achieve a bountiful harvest. 2. Manger A feeding trough for animals, representing the resources and provisions necessary for sustaining livestock and, by extension, the means of production. 3. Harvest The gathering of crops, symbolizing the results of hard work and the blessings of productivity. Teaching Points The Necessity of Resources for ProductivityJust as oxen are necessary for a bountiful harvest, we need the right resources and tools to be productive in our lives. This can apply to our spiritual lives, careers, and personal growth. The Value of Hard Work The proverb highlights the importance of diligence and effort. Without the hard work symbolized by the oxen, there is no harvest. Christians are called to work diligently in all they do as unto the Lord. Stewardship and Planning Managing resources wisely is crucial. The presence of oxen implies planning and investment. We are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it be time, talents, or treasures. Trust in God's Provision While human effort is necessary, the ultimate success and abundance come from God. We must trust in His provision and timing, recognizing that He is the source of all blessings. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:4?2. How does Proverbs 14:4 illustrate the value of hard work and productivity? 3. What does "no oxen, no grain" teach about preparation and resource management? 4. How can we apply the principle of Proverbs 14:4 in our daily lives? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of diligence and fruitful labor? 6. How does Proverbs 14:4 challenge us to embrace necessary challenges for growth? 7. How does Proverbs 14:4 relate to the value of hard work and productivity? 8. What is the significance of the ox in Proverbs 14:4? 9. How does Proverbs 14:4 challenge materialism and wealth accumulation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 14? 11. Proverbs 14:4: How do we reconcile “abundant harvests” from oxen with modern agricultural methods that don’t rely on animal power? 12. Is the manger clean without any oxen present? 13. Is the manger clean without any oxen present? 14. What foods are mentioned in the Bible? What Does Proverbs 14:4 Mean Where there are no oxen• The proverb opens with a simple picture: a farm that has chosen the easy route of keeping no work animals. • Oxen were the ancient tractor, plow, and delivery truck all in one (Genesis 3:19 reminds us that tilling soil is hard work; oxen ease that burden). • Choosing “no oxen” means avoiding the daily chores, feed bills, and inevitable manure piles—but it also signals a retreat from the work God designed to yield provision (see Proverbs 20:4; Ecclesiastes 10:18). the manger is empty • An unused feeding trough may stay spotless, yet it also testifies that nothing productive is happening. • Scripture consistently links idleness with lack (Proverbs 10:4; 13:4). A gleaming barn that never smells of livestock is really a monument to missed opportunity. • The empty manger warns that avoiding the hassles of responsibility can leave our households and churches without the resources God intends us to enjoy and share (2 Thessalonians 3:10). but an abundant harvest comes • The tone shifts from loss to gain. God’s design is abundance, not mere subsistence (John 10:10). • Diligent labor, though messy and costly, carries His promise of increase (Proverbs 12:11; 14:23). • Harvest imagery throughout Scripture pictures both physical provision and spiritual fruitfulness (Psalm 126:5-6; Galatians 6:9). through the strength of the ox • Oxen turn raw potential into tangible yield; their power multiplies human effort (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10). • The proverb therefore commends wise investment: tools, teams, ministries, and relationships that may complicate life yet enlarge impact. • Caring for those “oxen” is part of stewardship; neglecting them forfeits the very strength God means for our blessing (Proverbs 27:23-27). summary Proverbs 14:4 urges us to embrace the productive mess. Empty barns may look tidy, but only engaged resources—be they animals, tools, or people—produce the harvest God desires. Choosing diligence over convenience invites God-given abundance for meeting needs, blessing others, and honoring the Lord who designed work to bear fruit. (4) Where no oxen are, the crib is clean . . .--A proverb which may be taken in various ways. Some have seen in it an exhortation to kindness towards animals in consideration of their great usefulness. Others, that labour has its disagreeable aspect, but also brings its reward, whether material prosperity ("much increase") or a more enduring reward. (Comp. Galatians 6:9.)Verse 4. - Where no oxen (cattle) are, the crib is clean. This does not mean, as some take it, that labour has its rough, disagreeable side, yet in the end brings profit; but rather that without bullocks to labour in the fields, or cows to supply milk - that is, without toil and industry, and necessary instruments - the crib is empty, there is nothing to put in the granary, there are no beasts to fatten. The means must be adapted to the end. Much increase is by the strength of the ox. This, again, is not an exhortation to kindness towards animals, which makes no antithesis to the first clause; but it is parallel with Proverbs 12:11, and means that where agricultural works are diligently carried on (the "ploughing ox" being taken as the type of industry), large returns are secured. Septuagint, "Where fruits are plentiful the strength of the ox is manifest."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Where there are noבְּאֵ֣ין (bə·’ên) Preposition-b | Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle oxen, אֲ֭לָפִים (’ă·lā·p̄îm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 504: A family, an ox, cow the manger אֵב֣וּס (’ê·ḇūs) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 18: A crib, feeding trough is empty, בָּ֑ר (bār) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1249: Beloved, pure, empty but an abundant וְרָב־ (wə·rāḇ-) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7230: Multitude, abundance, greatness harvest comes תְּ֝בוּא֗וֹת (tə·ḇū·’ō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 8393: Product, revenue through the strength בְּכֹ֣חַ (bə·ḵō·aḥ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species) of the ox. שֽׁוֹר׃ (šō·wr) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7794: A head of cattle (bullock, ox, etcetera) Links Proverbs 14:4 NIVProverbs 14:4 NLT Proverbs 14:4 ESV Proverbs 14:4 NASB Proverbs 14:4 KJV Proverbs 14:4 BibleApps.com Proverbs 14:4 Biblia Paralela Proverbs 14:4 Chinese Bible Proverbs 14:4 French Bible Proverbs 14:4 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are the crib (Prov. 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