Proverbs 14:4 | The Crib is Clean
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A Verse Mapping Bible Study on Proverbs
For a review of the format for our Bible study, check out this post!
Week 48: Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Scripture Memory
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4
W____ n_ o___ a__, t__ c___ i_ c____: b__ m___ i_______ i_ b_ t__ s_______ o_ t__ o_. Proverbs 14:4
Bible Context
Who?
King Solomon
When?
Early in his reign, after 970 B.C.
Why?
To apply God’s wisdom to daily life.
For whom?
Israelites (The Jewish People).
Word Studies
Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. Proverbs 14:4
Oxen | אֶלֶף
'elep̄
Pronunciation: eh'-lef
Definition:
- Cattle, oxen
- In farming
- As a possession
Translations:
- kine 4x
- oxen 3x
- family 1x
Crib | אֵבוּס
'ēḇûs
Pronunciation: ay-booce'
Definition:
- crib, manger, feeding trough
Translations:
- crib 3x
Much | רֹב
rōḇ
Pronunciation: robe
Definition:
- multitude, abundance
- greatness
Translations:
- multitude 70x
- abundance 35x
- great 9x
- much 8x
- abundantly 4x
Increase | תְּבוּאָה
tᵊḇû'â
Pronunciation: teb-oo-aw'
Definition:
- product, yield, crops (of the earth usually)
- income, revenue
- gain (of wisdom) (fig)
Translations:
- increase 23x
- fruit 13x
- revenue 5x
- gain 1x
Strength | כֹּחַ
kōaḥ
Pronunciation: ko'-akh
Definition:
- strength, power, might
- power (of God)
- strength (of animals)
- strength, produce, wealth (of soil)
Translations:
- strength 58x
- power 47x
- might 8x
- force 3x
Ox | שׁוֹר
šôr
Pronunciation: shore
Definition:
- ox, bull, a head of cattle
- for plowing, for food, as sacrifice
Translations:
- ox 62x
- bullock 12x
- cow 2x
- bull 1x
Paraphrase
Where no [oxen, farming animals] are, the [manger, feeding trough] is clean: but [abundant] [yield, income, revenue] is by the [strength, might] of the [ox (for plowing, for food, as sacrifice)]. Proverbs 14:4
Bible Cross References
Proverbs 13:23
Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment.
Amos 4:6
And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.
Reflections
About God
God provides everything we need, but we still have a responsibility to work.
About Self
The idea of fewer complications in life (kids? spouse? people at work/school/church? responsibilities?) might sound lovely, but often times those “complications” are the blessings and tools God uses to provide what we need, both physically and spiritually.
Questions to Ask Myself
- Am I utilizing my resources properly to live for God?
- Where am I trying to avoid a “complication” in order to keep my life “neat and clean,” when I should be utilizing properly the gifts, tools, and resources the Lord has given me to accomplish His will?