In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury.
In all hard work there is gain, but empty talk only leads to poverty.
The writer is teaching that actual work produces results, while just talking about doing something leads to nothing.
📚 Historical Context
Proverbs is part of the Wisdom Literature in the Old Testament, attributed to King Solomon and written around the 10th century BC to provide practical guidance for everyday life in ancient Israel. In that agrarian society, hard work was essential for survival and prosperity, as people relied on labor in fields and trades to sustain their families and communities. This verse reflects a common theme in ancient Near Eastern wisdom, emphasizing that diligent effort leads to gain while empty words result in lack.
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