King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Pleasure-lovers will suffer want; he who loves wine and oil won't get rich.
Berean Standard Bible:
He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
American Standard Version:
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
He that loveth{H157} pleasure{H8057} shall be a poor{H4270} man{H376}: he that loveth{H157} wine{H3196} and oil{H8081} shall not be rich{H6238}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Proverbs 23:21
- For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags.
1 Timothy 5:6
- But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
2 Timothy 3:4
- Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
Proverbs 5:10
- Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours [be] in the house of a stranger;
Proverbs 5:11
- And thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed,
Luke 16:24
- And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:25
- But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
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Commentary for Proverbs 21:17
Proverbs 21:17 is part of a collection of wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, although modern scholarship suggests it was likely compiled over centuries with contributions from various authors. This particular verse reflects a common theme in the book of Proverbs, which contrasts the outcomes of different lifestyles or behaviors.
The verse suggests that a person who prioritizes pleasure, particularly indulging in luxuries such as wine and oil, will not prosper financially. In the historical context of ancient Israel, wine and oil were not only symbols of luxury but also essential commodities that could be traded or used in religious and social settings. By emphasizing the love of these items, the proverb warns against the dangers of hedonism and the potential economic consequences of neglecting responsibilities in favor of self-indulgence.
The themes of Proverbs 21:17 include temperance, financial stewardship, and the broader wisdom tradition of cause and effect, where one's actions influence their prosperity and well-being. It reflects the practical wisdom of the time, encouraging a disciplined and balanced approach to life's pleasures. The verse serves as a cautionary note that excessive pursuit of pleasure can lead to financial ruin, and it advises a more prudent path for those seeking wealth and stability.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H157
There are 257 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָהַב
Transliteration: ʼâhab
Pronunciation: aw-hab'
Description: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend. - Strong's Number: H8057
There are 89 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שִׂמְחָה
Transliteration: simchâh
Pronunciation: sim-khaw'
Description: from שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). - Strong's Number: H4270
There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מַחְסוֹר
Transliteration: machçôwr
Pronunciation: makh-sore'
Description: or מַחְסֹר; from חָסֵר; deficiency; hence, impoverishment; lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want. - Strong's Number: H376
There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אִישׁ
Transliteration: ʼîysh
Pronunciation: eesh
Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה. - Strong's Number: H3196
There are 134 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַיִן
Transliteration: yayin
Pronunciation: yah'-yin
Description: from an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication; banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). - Strong's Number: H8081
There are 176 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שֶׁמֶן
Transliteration: shemen
Pronunciation: sheh'-men
Description: from שָׁמַן; grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness; anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. - Strong's Number: H6238
There are 17 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָשַׁר
Transliteration: ʻâshar
Pronunciation: aw-shar'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich; be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See עָשָׂר.