What is the meaning of Proverbs 14:23? There is profit • “There is profit” speaks of tangible gain. Scripture assures us that diligent effort yields blessing—materially, relationally, and spiritually. • Proverbs 10:4 affirms, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth”. The same certainty appears in Ecclesiastes 5:18-19, where God gives people “the ability to enjoy” the fruit of their work. • The promise is not merely theoretical; God consistently honors obedience expressed through purposeful effort. In all labor • “All” widens the promise. Whether farming (Proverbs 12:11), crafting (Exodus 31:3-5), parenting, or serving in ministry (1 Corinthians 15:58), every sphere of honest work carries God-appointed value. • Colossians 3:23-24 urges, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart… It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. He sees every task, sanctifying even mundane duties. • Bullet reminders: – No calling is insignificant when done in faith. – God ties provision to vocation (Proverbs 28:19). – Faithfulness in small tasks prepares us for larger stewardship (Luke 16:10). Mere talk • By contrast, “mere talk” describes empty plans, promises, or dreams never carried into action. • James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”. Good intentions alone do not fulfill God’s design. • 1 John 3:18 presses further: “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth”. • Persistent speech without follow-through breeds self-deception and stagnation. Leads only to poverty • Poverty here is comprehensive—financial, emotional, even spiritual loss. • Proverbs 21:25 illustrates the slide: “The desire of the slacker kills him, for his hands refuse to work”. • 2 Thessalonians 3:10 reinforces the principle: “If anyone is not willing to work, he shall not eat”. • Key consequences of idle talk: – Resources dwindle while opportunities pass. – Relationships strain under broken commitments. – Spiritual vitality fades as obedience is delayed. Summary Proverbs 14:23 sets a clear contrast: diligent labor, done unto the Lord, reliably bears fruit, while idle chatter drains life and resources. God values purposeful effort in every vocation and warns that words without action invite need. Choose work infused with faith, and enjoy the profit He promises. |
    |