Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
Where there are no oxen, the feeding trough stays clean, but you get a great harvest through the strength of the ox.
This verse is saying that if you want to avoid mess and work, you can stay comfortable, but if you want real productivity and growth, you have to accept some inconvenience and effort.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, oxen were essential animals for agriculture, used to plow fields and transport goods, which made them symbols of strength and productivity in a society heavily reliant on farming. However, their presence in stables meant extra work to keep areas clean, as they produced waste and required feeding. This proverb uses that everyday scenario to illustrate the balance between effort and reward in daily life.
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