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In all hard work there is profit, But the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.

Verse Takeaways

1

Work of Both Head and Hand

Commentators like John Gill and Matthew Henry clarify that the "labor" mentioned here isn't just physical toil. It includes the "labor of the head," such as study, planning, and meditation. The verse affirms that all diligent, productive effort—whether with your hands or your mind—is valuable and leads to profit, while mere talk leads to want.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

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Proverbs

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Commentaries

3

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Proverbs 14:23

18th Century

Theologian

The contrast between a single, thorough deed, and the mere emptiness of speech.

John Gill

John Gill

On Proverbs 14:23

17th Century

Pastor

In all labour there is profit
Or "abundance" F21 ; much is got by it, food, raiment, riches, wealth, wisd…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Proverbs 14:23

17th Century

Minister

Labor of the head or of the hand will yield some good results. But if people's religion consists only of talk and noise, they will come to nothing.…