Movatterモバイル変換

Proverbs 12:24
The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.

Proverbs 28:19
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vainpersons shall have poverty enough.

John 6:27
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

but

Proverbs 10:10
He that winketh with the eye causeth sorrow: but a prating fool shall fall.

Ecclesiastes 5:3
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voiceis known by multitude of words.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat…

but mere talk leads only to poverty
This part of the verse contrasts the benefits of labor with the futility of idle talk. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, words without action were seen as empty and unproductive. The Hebrew term for "mere talk" implies a lack of substance or follow-through, which can result in poverty, both materially and spiritually. This warning against idle chatter is consistent with other biblical teachings that stress the importance of action over words (James 2:14-17). The phrase also serves as a caution against deceit and false promises, which can lead to ruin (Proverbs 10:4, 21:5). In a broader sense, it underscores the biblical principle that faith without works is dead, encouraging believers to live out their faith through tangible actions.

• “There is profit” speaks of tangible gain. Scripture assures us that diligent effort yields blessing—materially, relationally, and spiritually.

•Proverbs 10:4 affirms, “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth”. The same certainty appears inEcclesiastes 5:18-19, where God gives people “the ability to enjoy” the fruit of their work.

• The promise is not merely theoretical; God consistently honors obedience expressed through purposeful effort.

• “All” widens the promise. Whether farming (Proverbs 12:11), crafting (Exodus 31:3-5), parenting, or serving in ministry (1 Corinthians 15:58), every sphere of honest work carries God-appointed value.

•Colossians 3:23-24 urges, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart… It is the Lord Christ you are serving”. He sees every task, sanctifying even mundane duties.

• Bullet reminders:

– No calling is insignificant when done in faith.

– God ties provision to vocation (Proverbs 28:19).

– Faithfulness in small tasks prepares us for larger stewardship (Luke 16:10).

• By contrast, “mere talk” describes empty plans, promises, or dreams never carried into action.

•James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead”. Good intentions alone do not fulfill God’s design.

•1 John 3:18 presses further: “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth”.

• Persistent speech without follow-through breeds self-deception and stagnation.

• Poverty here is comprehensive—financial, emotional, even spiritual loss.

•Proverbs 21:25 illustrates the slide: “The desire of the slacker kills him, for his hands refuse to work”.

•2 Thessalonians 3:10 reinforces the principle: “If anyone is not willing to work, he shall not eat”.

• Key consequences of idle talk:

– Resources dwindle while opportunities pass.

– Relationships strain under broken commitments.

– Spiritual vitality fades as obedience is delayed.

Proverbs 14:23 sets a clear contrast: diligent labor, done unto the Lord, reliably bears fruit, while idle chatter drains life and resources. God values purposeful effort in every vocation and warns that words without action invite need. Choose work infused with faith, and enjoy the profit He promises.

Ἅπαντα τὰ καλὰ τοῦ πονοῦντος γίγνεται

"To him who labours all fair things belong." In contrast to the diligent are those who talk much and do nothing. But the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury (Proverbs 21:5). Those who work much get profit; those who talk much and do little come to want. So in spiritual matters Christ teaches that they who think that prayer is heard for much speaking are mistaken; and he adds, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 6:7;Matthew 7:21). Septuagint, "In every one who taketh thought (μεριμνῶντι) there is abundance; he who liveth pleasantly and without pain shall be in want." Cato, 'Dist.,' 1:10 -

"Contra verbosos noli contendere verbis:
Sermo datus cunctis, animi sapientia paucis." . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...