What is the meaning of Proverbs 21:17? He who loves pleasure – Proverbs 21:17 warns that an unchecked craving for entertainment, indulgence, or comfort puts a person on a dangerous path. The word “loves” speaks of devotion; pleasure becomes a driving affection rather than an occasional refreshment. – Scripture shows that when pleasure is elevated, devotion to God diminishes. Paul describes the last days as filled with people “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:4). – The prodigal son “squandered his wealth in wild living” and found himself in ruin (Luke 15:13-14). He loved pleasure first, and poverty followed. – Healthy enjoyment of God’s gifts is not condemned (1 Timothy 6:17), but when pleasure becomes lord, it crowds out wise stewardship and spiritual focus. Will become poor – The verse states the outcome plainly: persistent self-indulgence empties the purse. Proverbs 23:20-21 echoes this: “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags”. – Financial loss can come through overspending, missed opportunities, and weakened discipline. Pleasure-chasing siphons resources that could have been invested or given. – Poverty here can be broader than money: spiritual poverty, broken relationships, and lost purpose often accompany material decline. The one who loves wine and oil – “Wine and oil” were symbols of luxury in ancient Israel—fine drink and rich cosmetics or cooking oil. They represent refined, costly delights rather than necessities. – Isaiah 5:11 pronounces woe on those who “rise early to pursue strong drink” and spend their evenings inflamed by wine. Amos 6:6 pictures people who “drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the finest oils” while ignoring deeper matters. – Loving these luxuries points to a heart set on continual self-gratification instead of service, generosity, or eternal priorities. Will never be rich – A lifestyle centered on luxury keeps real wealth—both material and spiritual—out of reach. Proverbs 13:7 observes, “One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth”. – True riches include wisdom, contentment, and eternal treasure (Matthew 6:19-21). Chasing earthly luxuries blinds a person to these lasting assets. – Even when income is high, habitual indulgence devours it. Proverbs 27:20 notes, “Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and neither are the eyes of man”. Without restraint, more money only fuels more consumption. summary Proverbs 21:17 draws a straight line between a heart devoted to pleasure and a life marked by loss. When delight in entertainment, luxury, wine, or oil governs our choices, resources drain away and lasting wealth—material or spiritual—eludes us. Wise believers enjoy God’s gifts with gratitude and moderation, stewarding their means for kingdom purposes rather than surrendering to the endless appetite of self-indulgence. |
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