Proverbs 14:4

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest."

I find two different applications in this Proverb. The first has to do with inconvenience and benefit. Oxen are messy. The stable must be cleaned, manure disposed of, and the animal cared for. Some people only look at the downsides of possessing an item, and if, for instance, owning a second car just means more money for insurance, repairs, etc., then you're not likely to purchase one. On the other hand, if owning a second car means having the benefit and security of a second means of transportation, if it's a work vehicle, etc., then the purchase makes sense. So we must avoid looking only on the downside and realize that some things that demand of us, like the oxen and his upkeep, bring far greater returns that are better not avoided.

The second application is similar, but is directed less at inconvenience but more at long range planning. In this sense, someone chooses not to own an ox, not realizing that some possessions are necessary to achieve the benefit. An empty manger means no harvest was gathered. An ox may be expensive, but it is a necessity if you are to prosper in your farming business, so it's a purchase that is well made with an eye to the future.

What if a kid decided to make money mowing lawns? He may want to purchase a good lawn mower. It demands upkeep, it's expensive, but looking on the upside, long-range perspective, he can see that the purchase will pay for itself many times over.