Franklin advises people to give steady attention to the business that supports them. To “keep” a shop means more than simply owning it: it involves being present, managing it carefully, serving customers and attending to the practical details that allow the enterprise to continue. In return, a well-maintained business can provide the income needed to support its owner.

The saying reflects Franklin’s emphasis on diligence, responsibility and economic self-reliance. It does not imply that hard work guarantees commercial success, since businesses are also affected by demand, competition and changing circumstances. Its broader point is that a source of livelihood cannot usually be neglected without consequences. Regular care and attention improve the chances that an enterprise will remain productive and, in turn, continue to provide financial support.