Proverbs 21:17 kjv

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

Proverbs 21:17 nkjv

He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Proverbs 21:17 niv

Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

Proverbs 21:17 esv

Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

Proverbs 21:17 nlt

Those who love pleasure become poor;
those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.

Proverbs 21 verses

Proverbs 21 17 Meaning

Proverbs 21:17 conveys a fundamental truth about financial prudence and self-control. It teaches that an overriding affection for pleasure, luxurious living, or excessive indulgence in delights like wine and fine foods leads invariably to poverty and financial deprivation. It highlights a direct consequence of valuing immediate gratification and hedonistic pursuits over diligent labor, wise stewardship, and future provision.

Proverbs 21 17 Context

Proverbs 21:17 is embedded within the broader context of biblical wisdom literature, specifically the book of Proverbs, which aims to instruct individuals in the art of living wisely and righteously according before God. The book often employs antithetical parallelism, presenting contrasting paths and their respective outcomes, particularly regarding wealth, poverty, diligence, and sloth. Chapter 21, in particular, frequently addresses themes of justice, character, and the accumulation or dissipation of wealth, offering insights into cause-and-effect relationships in daily life.

Culturally and historically, ancient Israelite society, like many agrarian societies, understood that resources were finite and easily depleted through waste. "Pleasure" often referred to excessive feasting, luxurious garments, and revelry rather than simple, wholesome joy. Wine and oil were valuable commodities used for sustenance, anointing, and fuel, but their excessive "love" (meaning unrestrained consumption) implied a costly, indulgent lifestyle that ignored prudent management. There was no concept of easy credit or passive income from investments for the common person, making direct links between consumption and resource depletion very evident. The proverb serves as a direct counsel against hedonism and materialism when they dictate one's financial choices, promoting diligence and wise stewardship instead.

Proverbs 21 17 Word analysis

• Whoever loves: The Hebrew term here is ’oheb (אֹהֵב), signifying a deep, abiding affection, strong inclination, or a devotion that governs one's choices and actions. It's more than a casual liking; it indicates that pleasure is the primary motivator or pursuit of such an individual.

• pleasure: The Hebrew word is simḥāh (שִׂמְחָה). While simḥāh can denote legitimate joy or gladness (as in a religious festival), in this context, when combined with 'love' and contrasted with being 'poor,' it points to excessive, self-indulgent revelry, luxurious entertainment, and unrestrained sensory gratification. It's the pursuit of transient delight above responsibility.

• will be a poor man: The phrase translates maḥsôr (מַחְסוֹר), which literally means 'lack,' 'want,' or 'deficiency.' It directly denotes a state of poverty or financial destitution, a severe material need. This indicates a direct, unavoidable consequence of the preceding behavior.

• whoever loves wine and oil: This clause employs the same word for "loves" (’oheb) and adds two specific examples of luxury and indulgence.

  • wine: yayin (יַיִן), fermented grape juice. While wine was a staple in ancient diets and even used in sacrifices, the 'love' of it points to drunkenness and lavish consumption.
  • oil: šemen (שֶׁמֶן), usually olive oil, which was a valuable commodity used for cooking, anointing the body, fuel for lamps, and as part of luxurious banquets. Excessive devotion to "wine and oil" therefore symbolizes a lifestyle centered on feasting, fine dining, personal comfort, and perhaps an air of self-importance that disregards expenses.

• will not be rich: The Hebrew phrase is lo’ ye‘ašîr (לֹא יַעֲשִׁיר), a direct negation of acquiring wealth. It means such a person will fail to become prosperous or will lose any wealth they might possess. It underscores the financial futility of a life consumed by such desires.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Whoever loves pleasure... whoever loves wine and oil": This demonstrates an emphatic parallelism, where the first phrase states a general principle ("love of pleasure"), and the second phrase offers concrete, common examples ("love of wine and oil") that illustrate that general principle within the cultural context. This highlights the particular type of pleasures in view – those associated with luxury, indulgence, and potentially idleness. The repetition of "loves" emphasizes that it is a characteristic devotion, a guiding affection, rather than occasional enjoyment, that leads to ruin.
  • "will be a poor man... will not be rich": These two outcome statements reinforce the direct and negative consequence. They are synonyms in effect, describing a state of financial depletion and lack of prosperity. The structure serves to strongly impress upon the listener that these habits will inevitably lead to a decline in material well-being, contrasting with the wealth promised to the diligent in other proverbs.

Proverbs 21 17 Bonus section

The underlying principle of this proverb can extend beyond merely financial consequences to broader forms of "impoverishment." A "love of pleasure" can also lead to a spiritual poverty, where one lacks depth, purpose, and genuine spiritual riches because their life is consumed by earthly pursuits. The proverb showcases the didactic nature of wisdom literature, employing simple yet profound cause-and-effect statements to teach moral and practical truths. It implies that true richness lies not just in material wealth, but in a life characterized by wise choices, discipline, and right priorities, reflecting a walk aligned with God's design for human flourishing.

Proverbs 21 17 Commentary

Proverbs 21:17 delivers a stark and practical warning about the pathway to financial ruin. It is not a condemnation of pleasure itself, or the moderate enjoyment of food and drink, but rather of a love or obsessive pursuit of these things, which indicates a misprioritized heart. When gratification and sensory delights become the central focus or governing affection of one's life, rather than diligence, wise stewardship, and productivity, then financial resources are quickly squandered. "Wine and oil" are specific examples chosen to represent costly habits – lavish feasting, expensive personal indulgence, and perhaps the idleness that often accompanies such a lifestyle. This proverb teaches that disciplined self-control and foresight are indispensable for financial stability and prosperity. Conversely, a life given over to uncontrolled desires and a focus on fleeting pleasures invariably depletes wealth, leaving one in a state of lack. This principle remains profoundly relevant in any age where consumerism, instant gratification, and leisure can overshadow responsibility and hard work.