Proverbs 14:4

The wise farmer knows that he needs oxen (strong farm animals) to plough his fields. Without them, he cannot produce crops.

Oxen can be difficult animals for a farmer. They need plenty of food. The farmer must work hard to look after them. However, oxen used to be essential animals on the farm. Solomon’s farmers used oxen like tractors, to pull the plough. Without oxen, the harvest would be poor.

Some church members are easy to look after. They are polite and friendly, and everyone likes them. However, they do few things for God’s work.

Other church members act like the oxen. Such church members may ask difficult questions. They have many problems. Sometimes, they make serious errors. They are difficult to look after. However, we must learn to appreciate these members too. Sometimes, they will achieve great things for God. Peter was like this - see Mark 8:31-33; Matthew 26:74 and Galatians 2:11-14. We might not choose these church members, but God chose them for his work.