Charles Ellicott 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)

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 labor has its disagreeable aspect, but also brings its reward, whether material prosperity (“much increase”) or a more enduring reward. .