Where there are no oxen, the manger will remain "clean" (ESV and other translations). But what will it help you to have a clean, problem-free farm if you have no animals on it? This is not only applicable to farming, but to all work. One cannot raise children without ever experiencing discomfort, one cannot repair a car without getting one’s hands dirty.
Wherever there is work, there is also discomfort and frustration. But let us never forget the benefit that comes with all of the discomfort. Do not complain about the dirty manger. Rather, remember the harvest that the ox is bringing in. Let the mothers of young children also be comforted: in the process of raising children, everything cannot always be clean and comfortable. Let all workers focus on the fruit of their work—it is of more value than a clean manger.
4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.