Paul said in his letter to the Corinthians:  “For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING ” God is not concerned about oxen, is He?  Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops.  If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?  So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:9-14) 

Don’t get me wrong, I understood the concept he was getting across (the surrounding verses make this clear).  What I didn’t really get was what in the world the phrase about muzzling the ox literally meant.  So here is the answer: In ancient times an animal was used to spin a wheel or walk a threshing floor to separate the wheat from the stalk/chaff.  Those who were first to harness animal power to thresh wheat quickly discovered that their “power source” was eating the grain they were harvesting.  Animal owners quickly began to muzzle the ox/donkey to keep it from eating the grain.  In the old testament Law God commanded Israel to permit the animal doing the labor to share in the benefits of his hard work.  While I have found animal rights activists use this verse (seriously), Paul explains that the Law was for our benefit. 

It is designed to teach us that those working hard to produce, ought rightly to share in the benefits of their production.  He says more simply in 2 Timothy:  “For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” (1 Tim. 5:8) 

We should always be quick to let the laborer enjoy the fruit of his or her labor.  This speaks to our provision of those who make proclaiming the Gospel their “livelihood”.  It does, however, provide an interesting challenge to business owners, managers, etc.

“Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten.  Your gold and your silver have rusted.” (James 5:2-3)

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:19)

To understand these unusual descriptions, believers must put these warnings into a 1^st century context.  These descriptions revolve around the primary sources of wealth in their historical context.  First, storehouses of grain are commonly sited as wealth in ancient times.  These foodstuffs run the risk—or better yet, the inevitable reality—of rotting.  Secondly, elaborate and abundant sets of clothing were signs of wealth and prominence.  These possessions could be destroyed (eaten) by moths.  Lastly, gold and silver are obvious indicators of wealth in the first century.  Even these resources are subject to destruction (rust).  A contemporary version of the same concept would sound something like: Your stocks have plummeted, your houses foreclosed, and your accounts are overdrawn.  All wealth in this world will not last.  As God’s people, we are called to wisely “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal.” (Matt. 6:20)