Albert Barnes Commentary Proverbs 14:4

"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean; But much increase is by the strength of the ox." — Proverbs 14:4 (ASV)

That is, labor has its rough, unpleasant side, yet it ends in profit. So also, the life of contemplation may seem purer, cleaner than that of action. The outer business of the world brings its cares and disturbances, but also much increase. There will be a sure reward of that activity in good works for him who goes, as with the strength of the ox, to the task to which God calls him.