Proverbs 16:26
The soul of the laborer labors for himself, because his mouth has driven him to it.
Catholic Public Domain Version
In The King James Version
He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.
In Context
25There is a way which seems right to a man, and its end result leads to death.
27The impious man digs up evil, and in his lips is a burning fire.
Cross References
Proverbs 9:12If you would be wise, you will be so for yourself. But if you would be one who ridicules, you alone shall carry the evil.
Ecclesiastes 6:7Every labor of man is for his mouth, but his soul will not be filled.
2 Thessalonians 3:8Nor did we eat bread from anyone for free, but rather, we worked night and day, in hardship and weariness, so as not to be burdensome to you.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 16:26
Malice and Envy. 25 There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. This we had before ( ch. xiv. 12 ), but here it is repeated, as that which is very necessary to be thought of, 1. By way of caution to us all to take heed of deceiving ourselves in the great concerns of our souls by resting in that which seems right and is not really so, and, for the preventing of a self-delusion, to be impartial in self-examination and keep up a jealousy over ourselves. 2. By way of terror… Read the whole commentary →