Refilling the Trough and Other Ponderables

"Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox." - Proverbs 14:4

The crib or "manger" here is the place where the grain is stored to feed the oxen. Ironically, it is not only the place where the ox is energized for labor, but it is through the ox's labors that it is filled.

So it is with our efforts; they produce the fruit necessary to replenish our strength for more effort and the cycle never ends.

One might argue that the way to get motivated for work is to work.

Here are some more fillers from Proverbs 14-15. I'll keep the comments to a minimum and give you some titles to propel your thinking.

The Positive Power of Thinking - PERIOD!
"The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways,but the folly of fools is deception." - Proverbs 14:8 (NIV)

Smart and successful people think before they act.

Don't Be So Sure
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." - Proverbs 14:12

If sincerity were enough, you could travel in any direction and get where you were going in the same amount of time. Check out your facts.

The Tears of a Clown
"Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness." - Proverbs 14:13

Don't be deceived by outward appearances. There is pain all around. Understand that, and you will make yourself more valuable as a friend.

Wake Up and Smell the ...
"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going." - Proverbs 14:8

Naivety  may not be your friend. Learn to be skeptical without growing cynical.

Hot Heads and Empty Pockets
"A quick-tempered man does foolish things,and a crafty man is hated." - Proverbs 14:17

If you want to get ahead, you must learn to get along. Act in anger and lose the battle.

Big Talkers and Little Doers
"In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips tendeth only to penury (poverty)" - Proverbs 14:23

There is very little profit in talking a good talk if you can't deliver the goods. Jude called this sort of thing, "clouds without water."

Still the Waters or Stir the Pot - Choose
"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." - Proverbs 15:1

In the cafeteria of your vocabulary are many words. choose the ones that will accomplish good purposes.

Only Followers May Lead
  "A mocker resents correction; he will not consult the wise." - Proverbs 15:12 (NIV)
"The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness." - Proverbs 1:14

Those who are unwilling to take correction will never get beyond where they are. As Jesus said, seekers are finders.

Party Time
"All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast." - Proverbs 15:12

Two people face the same events in their life. One identifies himself as "oppressed." The  other has chosen to be cheerful. That determination makes all the difference in outcomes and total enjoyment of life.

In the same way, this is true:

"The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway." Proverns 15:19 (NIV)

As long as you are looking for obstacles, that is what you will find. If you are inclined to look up, life will be a highway leading to your dreams.