Proverbs 21:17

Translation
King James Version
¶ He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
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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.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Pleasure-lovers will suffer want; he who loves wine and oil won't get rich.
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Berean Standard Bible
He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.
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American Standard Version
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
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World English Bible Messianic
He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Hee that loueth pastime, shalbe a poore man: and he that loueth wine and oyle, shall not be riche.
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Young's Literal Translation
Whoso is loving mirth is a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.
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See also
Proverbs 23:211 Timothy 5:62 Timothy 3:4Proverbs 5:10Proverbs 5:11Luke 16:24Luke 16:25
In the KJVVerse 17,002 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Proverbs 21:17 delivers a profound and direct warning against the destructive consequences of an unbridled devotion to fleeting gratification and material indulgence. It asserts that prioritizing the pursuit of pleasure, particularly through excessive consumption of luxuries such as wine and oil, inevitably leads to financial destitution and a state of profound want. This wisdom proverb underscores the critical importance of self-control, diligent stewardship, and prudent financial management as essential virtues for avoiding the pitfalls of extravagance and securing lasting well-being.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Proverbs 21:17 is embedded within the broader collection of Solomonic wisdom, specifically within the section often identified as "The Proverbs of Solomon" (Proverbs 10-22:16). The book of Proverbs itself functions as a compendium of divinely inspired aphorisms designed to impart practical wisdom for navigating daily life, frequently contrasting the path of the wise and diligent with the folly of the simple or wicked. This particular proverb exemplifies the book's consistent emphasis on the tangible consequences of one's choices, particularly in the realms of personal discipline and financial stewardship. It stands in harmony with other proverbs that advocate for hard work and foresight, such as the admonition to learn from the ant in Proverbs 6:6-11, and the promise that "diligent hands bring wealth" in Proverbs 10:4. The verse thus serves as a powerful cautionary tale, illustrating how a misplaced affection for pleasure can undermine one's financial stability and overall flourishing.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Israel, an agrarian society, wealth and security were intrinsically linked to land ownership, agricultural productivity, and the careful management of resources. Life was often characterized by hard labor and a reliance on the land's yield. Wine and oil, while staples of the diet and essential commodities for trade and daily life (e.g., for cooking, anointing, lighting), also served as potent symbols of luxury, feasting, and opulence when consumed or used in excess. Expensive perfumed oils signified extravagance, and lavish banquets fueled by abundant wine were associated with unrestrained indulgence and a lack of self-control. Therefore, "loving wine and oil" would have immediately conjured an image of someone prioritizing lavish entertainment and personal gratification over productive labor, responsible saving, or prudent living. Poverty in this context was not merely a lack of funds but often implied social vulnerability, shame, and severe hardship, standing in stark contrast to the blessing and security promised to those who walked in 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 directly 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 and foresight. Thirdly, the proverb speaks profoundly to the critical importance of priorities and values; what one "loves" or prioritizes fundamentally shapes their life's direction and ultimate outcome. If fleeting pleasure becomes an idol, other vital virtues like discipline, foresight, and responsibility are inevitably neglected. This theme resonates with broader biblical warnings against materialism and covetousness, such as Jesus's admonition in Luke 12:15. Finally, the verse implicitly champions discipline and self-control, presenting them as indispensable virtues for avoiding the pitfalls of a pleasure-driven life and achieving lasting prosperity and well-being.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • loveth (Hebrew, ʼâhab', H157): A primitive root meaning "to have affection for (sexually or otherwise); (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend." In this context, ʼâhab signifies more than a casual liking; it denotes a deep, habitual affection or devotion. The issue is not the mere existence of pleasure or the use of wine and oil, but rather the love for them—a prioritization that dictates one's choices and actions, leading to an excessive and ultimately ruinous pursuit. This "love" implies a consuming passion that displaces other, more virtuous affections.
  • pleasure (Hebrew, simchâh', H8057): From שָׂמֵחַ, meaning "blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival); [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing)." While simchâh can denote 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 is the kind of pleasure that distracts from duty, consumes resources without yielding lasting benefit, and ultimately proves empty.
  • poor (Hebrew, machçôwr', H4270): From חָסֵר, meaning "deficiency; hence, impoverishment; lack, need, penury, poor, poverty, want." This word vividly describes the dire outcome of the pleasure-seeker's path. It signifies a state of severe deprivation, not merely a temporary financial setback, but a deep-seated and persistent lack that results from a consistent pattern of wasteful and undisciplined living. It speaks to a comprehensive state of want.

Verse Breakdown

  • "He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man": This opening clause establishes a direct and inevitable cause-and-effect relationship. The individual whose primary affection and all-consuming pursuit is "pleasure"—understood as excessive, unproductive, and self-serving gratification—will inevitably experience a state of "poverty" or "want." This is not about a casual enjoyment of life's good things, but a deep-seated devotion that overrides other responsibilities, prudent choices, and the cultivation of lasting virtues, leading to a depleted and destitute state.
  • "he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich": This second clause functions as a powerful synonymous parallelism, reiterating and amplifying the warning of the first. "Wine and oil" serve as potent metonyms for luxurious feasting, lavish living, and non-essential indulgence. By "loving" these, the individual prioritizes extravagance and immediate gratification, which directly counteracts the accumulation of wealth and responsible resource management. The phrase "shall not be rich" is a polite understatement, implying not merely a failure to accumulate wealth, but a likely descent into the very poverty described in the first clause, highlighting the certainty of financial ruin.

Literary Devices

Proverbs 21:17 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its timeless message with clarity and impact. Synonymous Parallelism is prominently featured, 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 yet conceptually equivalent imagery. This structural repetition emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of the stated outcome. Metonymy is powerfully utilized with the phrase "wine and oil," which stand in not merely for the literal substances, but for the broader concept of luxurious living, excessive consumption, and self-indulgence. These specific items, while necessities in moderation, become symbols of ruinous extravagance when "loved" to the point of financial ruin. Furthermore, the proverb clearly demonstrates Cause and Effect, directly linking the action of "loving pleasure" and "loving wine and oil" to the consequence of being "poor" or "not rich." This direct correlation serves as a strong, unambiguous warning, making the wisdom immediately applicable and understandable to its audience.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Proverbs 21:17 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes concerning stewardship, self-control, and the inherent dangers of materialism and misplaced affections. It underscores the divine principle that true prosperity, whether material or spiritual, is often a fruit of diligence, discipline, and the 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 human heart and distract from eternal priorities. This proverb serves as a practical reminder that our deepest affections dictate our actions, and misplaced affections can lead to tangible, negative consequences, diverting us from a life of wisdom, godliness, and true flourishing. It calls believers to a sober assessment of their priorities, recognizing that true joy and lasting fulfillment are found not in indulgence but in obedience to God's wise design.

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, lavish experiences, or even digital distractions—over responsible financial planning, diligent saving, and generous investing. In an age where debt can accumulate rapidly through easily accessible credit and the pervasive influence of advertising, 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, the ability to be generous, and the freedom from financial bondage over immediate, often unproductive, pleasures. It challenges us to critically examine our priorities, reminding us that true prosperity and deep contentment stem from discipline, hard work, and a sober, God-honoring 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 lasting 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 like festivals and celebrations. 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, ultimately leading to a state of want.

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 powerful 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 profound lack of true riches and security.

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 far 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 one's time, talents, relationships, or spiritual vitality. The pursuit of fleeting pleasures can ultimately impoverish one's entire life, leaving a person with a profound sense of emptiness despite material possessions.

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). 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). 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). Christ offers a "living water" that truly quenches spiritual thirst, providing a satisfaction that the world's fleeting pleasures can never deliver (John 4:13-14). 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). The ultimate "richness" is found in knowing Christ, for in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:3), providing a lasting inheritance far beyond any earthly pleasure.

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Commentary on Proverbs 21 verse 17

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

Here is an argument against a voluptuous luxurious life, taken from the ruin it brings upon men's temporal interests. Here is 1. The description of an epicure: He loves pleasure. God allows us to use the delights of sense soberly and temperately, wine to make glad the heart and put vigour into the spirits, and oil to make the face to shine and beautify the countenance; but he that loves these, that sets his heart upon them, covets them earnestly, is solicitous to have all the delights of sense wound up to the height of pleasurableness, is impatient of every thing that crosses him in his pleasures, relishes these as the best pleasures, and has his mouth by them put out of taste for spiritual delights, he is an epicure, Ti2 3:4. 2. The punishment of an epicure in this world: He shall be a poor man; for the lusts of sensuality are not maintained but at great expense, and there are instances of those who want necessaries, and live upon alms, who once could not live without dainties and varieties. Many a beau becomes a beggar.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verse 17. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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