Proverbs 16:26-27 He that labours labours for himself; for his mouth craves it of him. An ungodly man digs up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire. 

‘Labours’ – Six common classes: The labouring man (16:26) – He works out of necessity. Hunger and personal needs drive his efforts. Labour becomes a matter of survival. The ungodly man (16:27) – His labour produces evil. He uses his energy not for good, but to cause trouble and stir up strife. The perverse man (16:28) – Twisting truth and causing division, this person works to disrupt harmony with deceitful speech and corrupt motives. The whisperer (gossip) (16:28) – Quietly sowing seeds of discord, the whisperer works behind the scenes, destroying friendships and relationships through subtle, destructive words. The violent man (16:29) – He influences others toward wrongdoing and uses coercion or force to achieve his goals. His labour leads to harm. Older men (the grey-headed) (16:31) – Their labour is more mature, ideally marked by wisdom, experience, and a crown of honour, earned through righteousness and faithful living.

‘For himself’ In most cases, labour is motivated by self-interest. People generally work to meet their own needs – food, shelter, comfort, advancement, or personal satisfaction. While there are exceptions – such as devoted parents, children, or caregivers who selflessly labour for others – the general truth remains: most labour is self-directed.

This is not necessarily selfish in a sinful sense, it reflects the basic human instinct to survive and thrive. However, Scripture continually challenges us to go beyond self-serving labour and to consider eternal values, service to others, and the glory of God in all we do (Col. 3:23).

‘For his mouth craves it of him.’ This final phrase explains why people labour: their physical appetites and basic needs compel them. Hunger is a powerful motivator. The body demands nourishment, and that demand pushes a person to action. It is a natural, God-ordained cycle – needs lead to effort, and effort produces provision. But beyond literal hunger, this can also represent the broader human cravings for status, comfort, approval, or success. Without guidance, these desires can dominate a person’s life. That’s why Scripture warns us not just to work hard, but to work wisely, with godly purpose and priorities.