Proverbs 14:23-25 (ESV)
23 In all toil there is profit,
but mere talk tends only to poverty.
24 The crown of the wise is their wealth,
but the folly of fools brings folly.
25 A truthful witness saves lives,
but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.
Solomon begins with a simple but important principle: “In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” The Hebrew word translated “profit” is mothar, which refers to an advantage, benefit, or gain that results from an action. Diligent labor produces results. Those who are willing to work hard, persevere through difficulties, and faithfully fulfill their responsibilities enjoy the benefits that accompany such effort. Hard work pays off.
By contrast, “mere talk” leads to poverty. The Hebrew expression “mere talk” literally refers to the “words of the lips.” Solomon has in mind the person who constantly talks about what she plans to do but never actually does it. She discusses her goals, dreams, and intentions, yet never follows through with meaningful action. While the diligent person is working, the talker is talking. One produces results, while the other accomplishes nothing. Wisdom understands that good intentions are no substitute for faithful effort.
Verse 24 continues the contrast: “The crown of the wise is their wealth, but the folly of fools brings folly.” In Scripture, a crown often symbolizes God’s favor. The wealth Solomon describes is not merely financial prosperity but the rewards that accompany wise living. Wisdom produces benefits that become visible to others. Like a beautiful crown, the fruit of wisdom adorns a person’s life. The fool, however, gains nothing from her foolishness. She ignores wisdom, rejects truth, and repeatedly makes poor decisions. As a result, she reaps exactly what she has sown. Folly only produces more folly.
Finally, Solomon turns to the importance of truthfulness. “A truthful witness saves lives, but one who breathes out lies is deceitful.” In ancient Israel, legal cases often depended upon witness testimony. A truthful witness could protect an innocent person from wrongful punishment, while a dishonest witness could bring devastating harm. This principle lies behind passages such as Deuteronomy 19:15, where accurate testimony was essential for justice. Truth matters because our words can protect the innocent or destroy them.
The righteous person refuses to bear false testimony against another. She speaks honestly even when the truth is inconvenient. Those who spread lies, exaggerate faults, or omit important details damage reputations and harm innocent people. What about you? When recounting an incident involving someone you dislike, do you tell the whole truth, or only the parts that make her look worse than she really is? If you find deceit in your speech, repent today. The wise woman values truth more than winning an argument, protecting her image, or damaging an opponent.