¶ He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
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}.
Pleasure-lovers will suffer want; he who loves wine and oil won't get rich.
He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
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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.
Proverbs 21:17 delivers a stark warning about the financial consequences of a life devoted to indulgence and pleasure. This verse, part of King Solomon's collection of wisdom, highlights a core principle of financial prudence and responsible living within the ancient Israelite context and beyond.
Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, offering practical guidance for daily life, often contrasting the path of the wise with that of the foolish. This particular proverb fits into a broader theme of diligence, stewardship, and the dangers of idleness and extravagance. In an agrarian society, resources were precious and hard-won, making warnings against wasteful spending particularly poignant. The verse speaks to the pursuit of immediate gratification over long-term stability and discipline, a timeless conflict.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew word for "pleasure" here is simchah (שִׂמְחָה), which generally means "joy" or "gladness." However, in this context, "loving joy" to the point of poverty implies an excessive and unproductive pursuit of fleeting gratification, revelry, or lavish entertainment, rather than a healthy appreciation for life's blessings. The phrase "wine and oil" specifically points to luxury consumption. While wine and oil were staples, loving them implies a focus on their use in lavish feasts and personal extravagance (e.g., expensive perfumes or gourmet foods) rather than their necessary or moderate use.
Practical Application
This proverb remains highly relevant today, warning against modern forms of excessive pleasure-seeking and materialism. It speaks to:
In essence, Proverbs 21:17 teaches that a balanced life requires diligence, self-control, and wise management of resources, rather than an unchecked pursuit of pleasure that ultimately empties one's coffers and leaves them wanting.