Proverbs 21:17

KJV

¶ He that loveth pleasure [shall be] a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 21:17 serves as a stark warning against the perils of a life consumed by the pursuit of fleeting gratification and material indulgence. It asserts that an unrestrained devotion to pleasure, particularly through excessive consumption of luxuries like wine and oil, inevitably leads to financial ruin and a state of destitution. This wisdom proverb underscores the critical importance of self-control, diligent stewardship, and prudent financial management over the immediate, often destructive, allure of extravagance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 21:17 is situated within a larger collection of Solomonic wisdom, specifically within the section often attributed to Solomon (Proverbs 10-22:16). The book itself is a compendium of pithy sayings designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living, frequently contrasting the path of the wise with the folly of the simple or wicked. This particular proverb exemplifies the book's emphasis on the tangible consequences of one's choices, particularly in the realm of finances and personal discipline. It aligns with other proverbs that advocate for hard work, prudence, and foresight, such as [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - Go to the Ant, You Sluggard") which warns against laziness, and [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth") which extols diligence. The verse functions as a cautionary tale, illustrating how a misplaced love for pleasure can derail one's financial stability and overall well-being.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, wealth was primarily tied to land, livestock, and agricultural produce. Resources were hard-won and often scarce, making prudent management essential for survival and prosperity. Wine and oil, while staples of the diet and economy, also symbolized luxury and feasting when consumed in excess or for sheer indulgence. Oil was used for cooking, anointing, and lamps, but expensive perfumed oils were a sign of opulence. Wine was a common drink, but lavish banquets and drunkenness were associated with extravagance and lack of self-control. Therefore, "loving wine and oil" would have immediately conveyed a picture of someone prioritizing lavish entertainment and personal gratification over productive labor, saving, or responsible living. Poverty in this context was not merely a lack of funds but often implied social vulnerability and hardship, a stark contrast to the blessing and security associated with wisdom and diligence.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the Book of Proverbs and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of indulgence**, demonstrating that an unchecked pursuit of pleasure leads to tangible negative outcomes, specifically financial destitution. Secondly, it underscores the principle of **financial stewardship** and the folly of extravagance, contrasting sharply with the wisdom of careful resource management. Thirdly, the proverb speaks to the critical importance of **priorities and values**; what one "loves" or prioritizes fundamentally shapes their life's direction and ultimate outcome. If pleasure becomes an idol, other vital virtues like discipline, foresight, and responsibility are neglected. This theme resonates with warnings against materialism and covetousness found elsewhere in scripture, such as [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness"). Finally, the verse implicitly champions **discipline and self-control**, presenting them as necessary virtues for avoiding the pitfalls of a pleasure-driven life and achieving lasting prosperity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **loveth (Hebrew, _ʼâhab'_):** From H157, a primitive root meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." In this context, it signifies a deep, habitual affection or devotion. The issue is not the existence of pleasure or wine/oil, but the *love* for them—a prioritization that dictates one's choices and actions, leading to excessive and ultimately ruinous pursuit.
* **pleasure (Hebrew, _simchâh'_):** From H8057, meaning "blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing)." While _simchâh_ often denotes legitimate joy (e.g., in worship or celebration), here, when combined with "loveth" and leading to poverty, it refers to an excessive, unproductive, or self-indulgent pursuit of gratification. It's the kind of pleasure that distracts from duty and consumes resources without yielding lasting benefit.
* **poor (Hebrew, _machçôwr'_):** From H4270, meaning "deficiency; hence, impoverishment; lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want." This word vividly describes the outcome of the pleasure-seeker's path. It signifies a state of deprivation, not merely a temporary setback, but a deep-seated lack that results from a consistent pattern of wasteful living.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man":** This opening clause establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The individual whose primary affection and pursuit is "pleasure"—understood as excessive, unproductive gratification—will inevitably experience a state of "poverty" or "want." This is not a casual liking for enjoyment but a deep-seated devotion that overrides other responsibilities and prudent choices, leading to a depleted state.
* **"he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich":** This second clause functions as a synonymous parallelism, reiterating and amplifying the warning of the first. "Wine and oil" serve as metonyms for luxurious feasting, lavish living, and non-essential indulgence. By "loving" these, the individual prioritizes extravagance, which directly counteracts the accumulation of wealth. The phrase "shall not be rich" is a polite understatement, implying not just a failure to accumulate wealth, but a likely descent into the very poverty described in the first clause.

#### Literary Devices
The proverb employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Synonymous Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where the second clause ("he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich") restates and reinforces the truth of the first ("He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man") using different imagery. This repetition emphasizes the certainty of the outcome. **Metonymy** is powerfully used with "wine and oil," which stand in for the broader concept of luxurious living, excessive consumption, and self-indulgence. These specific items, while necessities in moderation, become symbols of extravagance when "loved" to the point of financial ruin. The proverb also utilizes **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking the action of "loving pleasure" and "loving wine and oil" directly to the consequence of being "poor" or "not rich." This direct correlation serves as a strong warning, making the wisdom immediately applicable and understandable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 21:17 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning stewardship, self-control, and the dangers of materialism. It underscores the divine principle that true prosperity, whether material or spiritual, is often a fruit of diligence, discipline, and wise management of resources, rather than an unbridled pursuit of fleeting gratification. The Bible consistently warns against the deceptive nature of worldly pleasures and riches, which can ensnare the heart and distract from eternal priorities. This proverb serves as a practical reminder that our affections dictate our actions, and misplaced affections can lead to tangible, negative consequences, diverting us from a life of wisdom and godliness.

* [Proverbs 10:4](/proverbs/10-4 "Proverbs 10:4 - Diligence Brings Wealth")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Warning Against Covetousness")
* [1 Timothy 6:9-10](/1_timothy/6-9 "1 Timothy 6:9-10 - The Love of Money is a Root of All Evil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This ancient proverb remains remarkably relevant in our contemporary world, which is often characterized by rampant consumerism, the allure of instant gratification, and the constant pressure to indulge. It serves as a profound caution against prioritizing fleeting pleasures—whether through excessive spending on entertainment, luxury goods, or lavish experiences—over responsible financial planning, saving, and investing. In an age where debt can accumulate rapidly through credit and easy access to goods, the warning against loving "wine and oil" (or their modern equivalents) is more pertinent than ever. The verse calls us to cultivate a long-term vision, valuing future security and the ability to be generous over immediate, often unproductive, pleasures. It challenges us to examine our priorities, reminding us that true prosperity and contentment stem from discipline, hard work, and a sober approach to our resources, rather than from an unchecked pursuit of personal gratification that ultimately empties our coffers and leaves us in want.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "pleasures" or indulgences in my life might be subtly leading me away from financial prudence or responsible stewardship?**
* **How does my "love" for certain comforts or luxuries compare to my commitment to saving, giving, and living within my means?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate greater self-control and discipline in my spending habits, aligning them more closely with biblical wisdom?**
* **How can I find true joy and contentment that is not dependent on material possessions or fleeting experiences?**

### FAQ
**Does this proverb mean that all pleasure is bad or that we shouldn't enjoy anything?**

Answer: No, this proverb does not condemn pleasure itself, nor does it advocate for an ascetic lifestyle devoid of joy. The Hebrew word for "pleasure" (_simchâh_) can refer to legitimate joy and gladness, even in religious contexts. The warning here is against *loving* pleasure to the point of excess, where it becomes the primary pursuit and overrides responsible living. It's about an unrestrained devotion to gratification that leads to financial ruin, rather than a healthy appreciation for life's blessings. The issue is the *excessive* and *unproductive* pursuit of fleeting gratification, which neglects wisdom and diligence.

**What exactly do "wine and oil" symbolize in this context?**

Answer: While wine and oil were staples in ancient Israelite society, here they function as metonyms for luxury, feasting, and extravagant living. "Loving wine and oil" implies a devotion to lavish banquets, expensive perfumes, and non-essential indulgences rather than their moderate or necessary use. It's a symbol of prioritizing consumption and self-gratification over prudent management of resources. The proverb warns against the kind of lifestyle that squanders wealth on superficial pleasures, leading to a lack of true riches.

**Is this proverb only about financial poverty, or does it have broader implications?**

Answer: While the proverb explicitly speaks of financial outcomes ("poor man," "shall not be rich"), its wisdom extends beyond mere economics. It implicitly warns against a poverty of character, discipline, and foresight. A life consumed by immediate gratification often lacks the patience, self-control, and long-term vision necessary for holistic well-being, including spiritual and relational richness. The principle applies to any area where unchecked indulgence leads to depletion, whether it's time, talent, or spiritual vitality. The pursuit of fleeting pleasures can impoverish one's entire life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Proverbs 21:17 warns against the earthly poverty resulting from a love of pleasure, its deeper fulfillment in Christ points to a radical reorientation of values and the pursuit of true, eternal riches. Jesus himself embodied the antithesis of this proverb's warning; He did not pursue worldly pleasures or material wealth but instead embraced a life of humility and self-sacrifice, becoming poor that we might become rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His teachings consistently challenged the pursuit of earthly treasures, urging His followers to store up treasures in heaven, where they are secure and lasting ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). The "pleasure" that leads to poverty in Proverbs is contrasted with the true joy and lasting satisfaction found in seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness first ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")). Christ offers a "living water" that quenches spiritual thirst, providing a satisfaction that the world's fleeting pleasures can never deliver ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13 "John 4:13-14 - Living Water")). Through Him, believers are called to a life of contentment, self-control, and good stewardship, not out of legalistic adherence, but out of a transformed heart that finds its ultimate pleasure and fulfillment in God Himself, who is the source of all true and lasting riches ([Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.