Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:4, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by 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.
World English Bible version
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Proverbs 14:4 Meaning & Commentary
Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox. – Proverbs 14:4 (ESV)
This verse in Proverbs uses symbolism – however, it highlights a few specific principles. Firstly, a manger is where animals are fed, and food is stored. An oxen is known for its strength and hard work, as well as its dependability, diligence, and reliability.
If you can imagine a human being with the same qualities as oxen, you would think of someone with the following attributes: hardworking, reliable, dependable, consistent, and diligent. This sounds like the sort of person who gets things done and sticks with it! If you are a business owner, this is precisely the sort of employee you would want in your organization.
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:4 that “Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean,” which symbolizes that if there is no hard work, diligence, or consistency, there will be no “food” or abundance. The second portion of the verse goes on to say that abundant crops come by the strength of the ox – meaning that where the attributes of Oxen are, there is abundance, blessing, overflow, or “more than enough.”
So, if we look at the analogy used in this verse and interpret it in human terms, it takes hard work, diligence, consistency, and sometimes “heavy lifting” to produce results of abundance in our lives. It would be great if life were just “easy” and success fell into our lap, but that is not how life works.
We should have an abundance in our lives, as this is God’s will – for the righteous to have much treasure: Proverbs 15:6 – In the house of the righteous there is much treasure, but trouble befalls the income of the wicked. However, it does take action on our part to unlock this in our life. Although we are children of God, and He desires for us to prosper, God’s abundance requires us to exhibit the qualities of an Oxen, and then our “manger,” metaphorically speaking, will be filled with abundant crops!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:4 to our lives?
The Bible certainly promotes the concept of hard work. Sometimes Christians fall into the trap of thinking that because we have a relationship with God, and He loves us and desires to bless us, that abundance will automatically come to us, but this is flawed thinking! The Bible is filled with principles of success, and the truth is that Biblical principles work for both believers and non-believers.
When we think of Oxen, one word which immediately comes to mind is diligence: Proverbs 10:4 – A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. This verse is probably the closes parallel to Proverbs 14:4 in The Bible. Diligence speaks of someone who knows what is required and sticks with it as long as needed. Diligence incorporates many other great qualities, such as hard work, consistency, and faithfulness.
Diligence produces faithfulness, which is God’s “roadmap” to increase: Luke 16:10 – One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. So, we must actively apply these characteristics in our life as we journey with God.
When we apply the “not so flashy” principles in our lives, such as diligence, hard work, and faithfulness, and mix them with the spiritual elements, such as prayer, wisdom, and walking in step with The Holy Spirit, that is when we get results! Hard work and diligence are not always flashy, but we must practice them consistently and make them an ongoing habit!
This positions us to receive more from God as we build faithfulness into our lives, and God can trust us with more. We will then have an abundance in our lives and plenty to share with others!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for opening my understanding today that life is not always flashy and super spiritual – but that the qualities oxen possess set me up and position me to receive abundance.
I pray today for wisdom, and I ask that you help me grow in faithfulness and diligence and increase my capacity for more of You. I ask this all today in Jesus’ name. Amen!
