Proverbs 21:17 Meaning and Explanation
“He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Those who pursue pleasure and indulgence will end up impoverished, not prosperous.
The Context of Proverbs 21:17
Pleasure-seeking undermines the accumulation of wealth.
What Does Proverbs 21:17 Mean?
The person oriented toward immediate pleasure—not toward building, planning, or discipline—naturally drifts toward poverty. Pleasure-seeking consumes resources without producing anything; it depletes rather than builds. What is enjoyed today is gone tomorrow, leaving nothing accumulated.
Wine and oil represent luxury and comfort. To love these things implies prioritizing sensory gratification over long-term security. Such priorities do not generate wealth; they squander it. Prosperity flows from discipline, foresight, and deferred gratification—the opposite of a pleasure-centered life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 21:17
What does Proverbs 21:17 mean?
Those who pursue pleasure and indulgence will end up impoverished, not prosperous.
What is the context of Proverbs 21:17?
Pleasure-seeking undermines the accumulation of wealth.