In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 14:23
What does Proverbs 14:23 mean?
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Proverbs 14:23
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The verse highlights that true "profit" comes from tangible effort, not just eloquent words or grand plans. It draws a sharp contrast between the substance of action and the emptiness of mere talk, suggesting that a life filled with boasting and promises, but lacking deeds, inevitably leads to spiritual and material poverty.
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb stands within a larger collection of wisdom literature contrasting diligence with idleness. It follows discussions about managing anger and seeking wisdom, presenting a practical principle about work and talk. The verses immediately following will continue exploring the value of discipline and proper speech, reinforcing the idea that actions and thoughtful words yield fruit, while mere chatter leads to ruin.
Ever feel like you're working hard but not seeing the results? This proverb cuts straight to the heart of why that might be.
Solomon makes a powerful connection between effort and outcome. He's not just talking about physical labor, but any kind of 'toil' – diligent effort applied to a task. When we invest our energy, our skills, and our time into something, there's a natural, inherent profit. This profit isn't always just financial; it can be knowledge gained, character built, or tangible results achieved. The key is profit – a return on investment. Hard work, consistently applied, yields tangible benefits.
We've all met them – the people full of big ideas and grand promises, but who never seem to get anything done. Solomon calls out this pattern directly.
The second half of the verse presents a stark contrast: 'but mere talk tends only to poverty.' This isn't just about being chatty; it's about substituting words for action. When someone's primary output is speech – boasting, planning without doing, promising without delivering – the result is predictably negative. This 'poverty' isn't just financial; it's a lack of substance, an emptiness that leaves one destitute. It's the difference between discussing a meal and actually eating it. Talk without action produces nothing of real value and ultimately leads to a deficit.
Understand the original words
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etseb · Hebrew Noun
Hard work, labor, or wearying effort. Scripture emphasizes that diligent, productive work is a blessing and a godly response to life.
mothar · Hebrew Noun
That which is gained or yields a benefit. In the context of wisdom literature, it usually refers to the positive outcomes of diligent labor.
This verse directly contrasts the outcomes of diligent work versus laziness, mirroring Proverbs 14:23's emphasis on the profit of toil and the poverty of idle talk.
Matthew 12:36-37Jesus warns that people will be held accountable for every careless word they speak, highlighting the spiritual and practical consequences of unchecked talk, much like Solomon warns of poverty.
2 Thessalonians 3:10Paul issues a strong command that 'anyone unwilling to work should not eat,' directly supporting the principle in Proverbs 14:23 that labor yields profit, while idleness leads to lack.
James 1:22This passage urges believers to be 'doers of the word, and not hearers only,' echoing the Proverbs' sentiment that mere talk (or hearing without acting) leads to self-deception and, by extension, a lack of true spiritual or practical substance.
clarkeProverbs 14:23: "In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."
In 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.
bensonProverbs 14:23: "In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury."
Proverbs 14:23 . In all labour there is profit, &c. — Diligent labour is the ready way to riches; but idle talking, wherein too many spend most of their precious time, will bring a man to poverty. Houbigant renders the verse, All labour will produce abundance, but garrulity nothing but want. “Solomon here,” says Lord Bacon, as quoted by Bishop Patrick, “separates the fruit of the labour of the tong…
The verse highlights that true "profit" comes from tangible effort, not just eloquent words or grand plans. It draws a sharp contrast between the substance of action and the emptiness of mere talk, suggesting that a life filled with boasting and promises, but lacking deeds, inevitably leads to spiritual and material poverty.
This proverb stands within a larger collection of wisdom literature contrasting diligence with idleness. It follows discussions about managing anger and seeking wisdom, presenting a practical principle about work and talk. The verses immediately following will continue exploring the value of discipline and proper speech, reinforcing the idea that actions and thoughtful words yield fruit, while mere chatter leads to ruin.
This proverb stands within a larger collection of wisdom literature contrasting diligence with idleness. It follows discussions about managing anger and seeking wisdom, presenting a practical principle about work and talk. The verses immediately following will continue exploring the value of discipline and proper speech, reinforcing the idea that actions and thoughtful words yield fruit, while mere chatter leads to ruin.
"In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty." — The verse highlights that true "profit" comes from tangible effort, not just eloquent words or grand plans. It draws a sharp contrast between the substance of action and the emptiness of mere talk, s…
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Last reviewed October 2026