God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 14:23
23In hard work there is always something gained, but idle talk leads only to poverty.
Proverbs 14:23 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
- New International Version (NIV)All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.
- English Standard Version (ESV)In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
- New King James Version (NKJV)In all labor there is profit, But idle chatter leads only to poverty.
Context of Proverbs 14:23
21Whoever despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to humble people. 22Don’t those who stray plan what is evil, while those who are merciful and faithful plan what is good? In hard work there is always something gained, but idle talk leads only to poverty. 24The crown of wise people is their wealth. The stupidity of fools is just that—stupidity! 25An honest witness saves lives, but one who tells lies is dangerous.
Read all of Proverbs 14Proverbs 14:23 word by word
בְּכָל־עֶ֭צֶב יִהְיֶ֣ה מוֹתָ֑ר וּדְבַר־שְׂ֝פָתַ֗יִם אַךְ־לְמַחְסֽוֹר׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 14:23
- Proverbs 12:24Hard-working hands gain control, but lazy hands do slave labor.
- Proverbs 28:19Whoever works his land will have plenty to eat. Whoever chases unrealistic dreams will have plenty of nothing.
- John 6:27Don’t work for food that spoils. Instead, work for the food that lasts into eternal life. This is the food the Son of Man will give you. After all, the Father has placed his seal of approval on him.”
- Hebrews 6:10God is fair. He won’t forget what you’ve done or the love you’ve shown for him. You helped his holy people, and you continue to help them.
- Proverbs 10:10Whoever winks with his eye causes heartache. The one who talks foolishly will be thrown down headfirst.
- Ecclesiastes 5:3Daydreaming comes when there are too many worries. Careless speaking comes when there are too many words.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10While we were with you, we gave you the order: “Whoever doesn’t want to work shouldn’t be allowed to eat.”
- 1 Timothy 5:13At the same time, they learn to go around from house to house since they have nothing else to do. Not only this, but they also gossip and get involved in other people’s business, saying things they shouldn’t say.
Commentaries on Proverbs 14:23
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 23In all labor there is profit - If a man work at his trade, he gains by it; if he cultivate the earth, it will yield an increase; and in proportion as he labors, so will be his profit: but he who talks much labors little. And a man words is seldom a man of deeds. Less talk and more work, is one of our own ancient advices.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23The contrast between a single, thorough deed, and the mere emptiness of speech.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 23Verse 23 Labour of the head, or of the hand, will turn to some good account. But if men's religion runs all out in talk and noise, they will come to nothing.Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2323. labour--painful diligence. talk ... penury--idle and vain promises and plans.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 14:23
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 14
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
Commentaries