Empty. As the land has not bee cultivated. (Haydock) --- Strength, or number of oxen. (Calmet) --- "The virtue of the preachers is manifested where there are many converted to produce fruit." (St. Gregory vii. ep. viii.) read more
v. 4. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, the manger is empty, that is, he who is too lazy or too indolent to use the proper means for acquiring possessions under God's blessings will find that he makes no progress in life; but much increase is by the strength of the ox, although it requires work to keep him. read more
(δ) With reference to the relation between the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, masters and servantsChap. 141 Woman’s wisdom buildeth her house,but folly teareth it down with its own hands.2 He that walketh uprightly feareth Jehovah,but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride,but the lips of the wise preserve them.4 Where there are no oxen the crib is clean,but much increase is by the strength of the... read more
Verse Proverbs 14:7. The sense of this proverb is entirely altered in the Revision. The Authorized reading would make it mean that if a man is perceived to be devoid of knowledge he should be abandoned. The Revised urges attention to the foolish man in order that it may be known that he lacks knowledge. Verse Proverbs 14:9. This proverb is decidedly ambiguous. It may mean that foolish men despise g d t in the sense of holding in contempt the guilty, whereas upright men have grace or favor or... read more
A Collection Of Solomon’s Proverbs (Proverbs 10:1 to Proverbs 29:27 ). Solomon’s presentation of The Book of Proverbs has followed the pattern of much Wisdom literature. This commenced with the initial heading detailing the details of the author and his purpose in writing (Proverbs 1:1-7), continued with a Prologue which laid the foundation for what was to follow (Proverbs 1:8 to Proverbs 9:18), and was then followed by the body of the work introduced by one or more subheadings. In Solomon’s... read more
The One Who Fears YHWH Walks In Uprightness, Is Preserved By What He Says, Enjoys Prosperity, Is A True Witness And Easily Comes To Understanding (Proverbs 14:2-6 ). The one who fears YHWH walks in uprightness (Proverbs 14:2); speaks in such a way that his lips and words preserve him (Proverbs 14:3); takes full advantage of the strength of the ox which is God’s gift to man in order to enjoy abundant harvest (Proverbs 14:4); speaks truthfully and is a reliable witness (Proverbs 14:5); and... read more
Proverbs 14. In this, as in each of the preceding chapters in this section, aphorisms on the moral government of the world come first in number. There are rather more in this chapter of a political and social character, while a group that might be called psychological appears for the first time ( e.g. Proverbs 14:10; Proverbs 14:13, and in part Proverbs 14:30). The contrast between wisdom and folly, simplicity and prudence, also yields a fairly numerous group. Proverbs 14:1 . MT cannot be... read more
The crib is clean; the barn or stable is empty of food for cattle, and much more for man, whose food is more scarce and dear. In the same sense cleanness of teeth is put for famine, Amos 4:6. By the strength of the ox; by their labours, or by diligence in husbandry, which then was principally managed by oxen. read more
MAIN HOMILETICS OF Proverbs 14:4THE CLEAN CRIBI. An empty and clean crib does not fulfil the end for which it was made. It was made for use; it was made to hold food for the ox, who earns, by his labour, the means of keeping it full. When God first created this world, and saw it lie before him in all its unsullied beauty, He said that it was very good. But, beautiful as it was, it was not to remain simply beautiful—it was to fulfil a higher purpose: it was to be a dwelling-place for man. And... read more
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Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - Proverbs 14:1-5
Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him. In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. I pass over these several verses, plain and instructive as... read more