Every cause has an effect. The same statement is true when applying Proverbs 14:23, which states, “In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to penury”—meaning, if you work hard, you will reap benefits. You will gain from it.

On the other hand, talking and taking no action leads only to poverty.

How does this apply to you?

You arrive home every day from school and tell yourself you need to clean your room; but this is only half the battle. Your room isn’t going to clean itself!

If you do not clean your room, what will be the consequences? Maybe you will not be permitted to go to your friend’s house or you have to stay home while your brothers and sisters are allowed to go to a movie.

If you take a little time each day to clean and pick up your room, imagine the benefits that will result. When Sunday arrives, your room is already clean, so you don’t have to waste time cleaning on your day off from school. Plus, your parents will trust you with greater responsibilities.

Apply this mentality to other goals you might have.

Maybe you see a car every day on your way home from school that you really want. The only “problem” is that it costs money to buy. Don’t just rely on your parents. Take the necessary steps to obtain it yourself. You will need a job to purchase a car, register it and pay for insurance. It will not be an easy task, but it can be accomplished through much determination and hard work.

Do you say, “I want to go to college”? Don’t just talk about attending college someday—do whatever it takes to ensure you will be there! While in high school, study for exams, hand in homework on time, pay attention and participate in class. When choosing a college, grades play a major role in whether you will be accepted.

Once in college, continue to strive to do your best. You will not regret it.

After college, you will likely look for a job—and the kind of career and salary level will be greatly determined by your college education and work ethic. Wouldn’t you rather put extra time and effort into school for a few years so that you could earn a decent salary?

God promises that you will be rewarded for your hard work, but also warns that you will not profit from idle chatter; it will ultimately lead to poverty.

Which do you prefer?