Proverbs 16:26 (BSB)

A worker’s appetite works for him because his hunger drives him onward.

From Proverbs 16. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 16:26

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 16:26: This is designed to engage us to diligence, and quicken us, what our hand finds to do, to do it with all our might, both in our worldly business and in the work of religion; for in the original it is, The soul that labours labours for itself. It is heart-work which is here intended, the labour of the soul, which is here recommended to us, 1.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 16:26: An ungodly man diggeth up evil,.... Or "a man of Belial" (p), a worthless unprofitable man; a man without a yoke, not obedient to the law of God; such a man digs for sin as for a treasure; nor need he go far for it, he has enough in his own heart, out of the evil treasure of which he brings forth evil things; though...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 16:26: Diligence is a duty due to one's self, for his wants require labor.
• Keil & Delitzsch (Lutheran), Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament on Proverbs 16:26: Pro 16:26 26 The hunger of the labourer laboureth for him, For he is urged on by his mouth. The Syr. translates: the soul of him who inflicts woe itself suffers it, and from his mouth destruction comes to him; the Targ. brings this translation nearer the original text (בּיפא, humiliation, instead of אבדנא, destruction); Luther translates thus also, violently abbreviating, however. But עמל (from עמל, Arab.