We have already discussed the benefit of hard work (see under Proverbs 10:2, Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 11:18; Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 13:4). The second line of this proverb warns against talking the time away. Not only does meaningless conversation waste our time, it also takes up our emotional strength.
23 In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.