Proverbs 14.23-24
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty. The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.”
Know what + know how + work ethic is a powerful combination. Knowing what to do and how to do it is wisdom, and work ethic is the diligent effort and perseverance required to actually do the work. Knowledge, skill, and work ethic is how things get done and problems get solved.
The opposite is the disastrous combination of foolishness + empty talk. When foolish people talk and fail to work hard, nothing productive gets done and problems don’t get solved. Foolish produces foolishness. Don’t be talker, be a doer.
This is culturally relevant for us because we live in a time when it is so much easier to tweet about something than it is to actually do something. People are quick to post their opinion on Facebook, but not so quick to take productive action.
Here is the fundamental message: Talk less, do more!
Proverbs 14.25
“A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.”
This is one of several proverbs that emphasizes the importance of telling the truth, especially in legal situations. The difference can be a matter of life and death. We need truth-tellers, not people who “breathe out lies.”
This goes along with the previous verse, because liars tend to be talkers who don’t do much. They love to gossip and are quick to criticize and condemn, but they are slow to do the work to solve problems and get things done.
Proverbs 14.26-27
“In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
This proverb announces the benefits that come to those who fear God. By submitting to God and giving him the respect and obedience he deserves, people are under his protection. Note that the promises of protection extend to their children. If one fears the Lord, then they do not need to fear anything or anyone else.
Finding refuge, safety, and protection in covenant with God is a significant theme in the Psalms.
“I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:1-2)
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3)
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” (Psalm 91:1-4)
The fear of the Lord theme continues in Proverbs 14.27. Here it is compared to a fountain of life, which is a metaphor that contrasts a fountain with a stagnant pool of water. It also gives the idea of an abundance of life that flows from the fear of God.
Trust God. Live your life under his protection and blessing. Don’t be a talker; be a doer.
