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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/21-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/20_Pro_21_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 21:17 - The King's Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that loveth pleasure <i>shall be</i> a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure <i>will be</i> a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />One who loves pleasure <i>will become</i> a poor person; One who loves wine and oil will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure will become a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />He who loves pleasure <i>will become</i> a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He who loves pleasure <i>will become</i> a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />He who loves [only selfish] pleasure <i>will become</i> a poor man; He who loves <i>and</i> is devoted to wine and [olive] oil will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The one who loves pleasure will become a poor man; whoever loves wine and oil will not get rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Heavy drinkers and others who live only for pleasure will lose all they have. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Whoever loves pleasure will become poor. Whoever loves wine and expensive food will not become rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Indulging in luxuries, wine, and rich food will never make you wealthy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Pleasure lovers become poor; loving wine and oil doesn't bring riches.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure will become poor; the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The one who loves pleasure will be a poor person; whoever loves wine and anointing oil will not be rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He who loves pleasure will be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil won’t be rich. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever [is] loving mirth [is] a poor man, "" Whoever is loving wine and oil makes no wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Whoso is loving mirth is a poor man, Whoso is loving wine and oil maketh no wealth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A man of poverty loving joy: he loving wine and oil shall not be rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He that loveth good cheer, shall be in want: he that loveth wine, and fat things, shall not be rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever loves a feast will be in deprivation. Whoever loves wine and fatness will not be enriched.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lover of pleasure will suffer want; the lover of wine and perfume will never be rich. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever loves pleasure will suffer want; whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who lacks wealth and yet loves entertainment, wine, and pleasure shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A man that is wanting and loves joy and wine and pleasure, will not be rich.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man; He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A poor man loves mirth, loving wine and oil in abundance;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/21-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4269" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/21.htm">The King's Heart</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>The man who strays from the path of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ō·hêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">He who loves</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">pleasure</a> <a href="/hebrew/4270.htm" title="4270: maḥ·sō·wr (N-ms) -- A need, thing needed, poverty. Or machcor; from chacer; deficiency; hence, impoverishment.">will become poor;</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/157.htm" title="157: ’ō·hêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To love. Or raheb; a primitive root; to have affection for.">the one who loves</a> <a href="/hebrew/3196.htm" title="3196: ya·yin- (N-ms) -- Wine. From an unused root meaning to effervesce; wine; by implication, intoxication.">wine</a> <a href="/hebrew/8081.htm" title="8081: wā·še·men (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Fat, oil. From shaman; grease, especially liquid; figuratively, richness.">and oil</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will never</a> <a href="/hebrew/6238.htm" title="6238: ya·‘ă·šîr (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become rich. A primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly to grow rich.">be rich.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>The wicked become a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/15-13.htm">Luke 15:13-14</a></span><br />After a few days, the younger son got everything together and journeyed to a distant country, where he squandered his wealth in wild living. / After he had spent all he had, a severe famine swept through that country, and he began to be in need.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-6.htm">1 Timothy 5:6</a></span><br />But she who lives for pleasure is dead even while she is still alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-19.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:19</a></span><br />A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Isaiah 5:11-12</a></span><br />Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-5.htm">James 5:5</a></span><br />You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Proverbs 23:20-21</a></span><br />Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat. / For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe them in rags.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-3.htm">1 Peter 4:3</a></span><br />For you have spent enough time in the past carrying out the same desires as the Gentiles: living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing, and detestable idolatry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-25</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13-14</a></span><br />Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. / Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-9.htm">1 Corinthians 6:9-10</a></span><br />Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, / nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/28-7.htm">Proverbs 28:7</a></span><br />A discerning son keeps the law, but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-13.htm">Isaiah 22:13</a></span><br />But look, there is joy and gladness, butchering of cattle and slaughtering of sheep, eating of meat and drinking of wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.</p><p class="hdg">loveth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Proverbs 21:20</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/5-10.htm">Proverbs 5:10,11</a></b></br> Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours <i>be</i> in the house of a stranger; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Proverbs 23:21</a></b></br> For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe <i>a man</i> with rags.</p><p class="hdg">pleasure </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-8.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-11.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-13.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-23.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/22-11.htm">Loves</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-5.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Mirth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-20.htm">Oil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Poor</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Wealth</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Wine</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">The king's heart in the hand of the Lord</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He who loves pleasure will become poor;</b><br>This phrase warns against the pursuit of pleasure as a primary goal in life. In biblical context, the love of pleasure is often associated with a lack of discipline and foresight, leading to poverty. The Bible frequently contrasts the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures with the enduring value of wisdom and righteousness (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:1-11</a>). Historically, the pursuit of pleasure without regard for responsibility has led to the downfall of individuals and nations, as seen in the stories of figures like Samson (Judges 16) and the nation of Israel during periods of apostasy. Theologically, this phrase underscores the biblical principle that true fulfillment and prosperity come from a life aligned with God's will, rather than the pursuit of hedonistic desires.<p><b>the one who loves wine and oil will never be rich.</b><br>Wine and oil in ancient Israel were symbols of wealth and abundance, often used in religious rituals and as staples in the diet (<a href="/deuteronomy/7-13.htm">Deuteronomy 7:13</a>). However, an excessive love for these items indicates indulgence and a lack of self-control. The cultural context of the time viewed moderation as a virtue, and the Bible frequently warns against drunkenness and gluttony (<a href="/proverbs/23-20.htm">Proverbs 23:20-21</a>, <a href="/ephesians/5-18.htm">Ephesians 5:18</a>). This phrase suggests that those who prioritize luxury and excess over prudent management of resources will fail to achieve lasting wealth. In a broader spiritual sense, it reflects the teaching that spiritual riches are of greater value than material wealth, as seen in Jesus' teachings about storing treasures in heaven (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key part of teaching and guiding the community in righteous living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pleasure_seekers.htm">Pleasure Seekers</a></b><br>This refers to individuals who prioritize personal enjoyment and indulgence over discipline and responsibility, leading to potential poverty.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/w/wine_and_oil.htm">Wine and Oil</a></b><br>In ancient times, wine and oil were symbols of luxury and wealth. They were often used in celebrations and anointing, representing abundance and prosperity.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/poverty_and_wealth.htm">Poverty and Wealth</a></b><br>These are recurring themes in Proverbs, often used to illustrate the consequences of wise versus foolish living.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_indulgence.htm">The Danger of Indulgence</a></b><br>Pursuing pleasure as a primary goal can lead to financial and spiritual poverty. Christians are called to exercise self-control and prioritize godly living over temporary pleasures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_illusion_of_wealth.htm">The Illusion of Wealth</a></b><br>Loving luxury items like wine and oil can create a false sense of security. True wealth is found in a relationship with God and living according to His principles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_financial_stewardship.htm">Wisdom in Financial Stewardship</a></b><br>Proverbs encourages wise management of resources. Christians should seek to balance enjoyment with responsibility, ensuring that their financial practices honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_in_christ.htm">Contentment in Christ</a></b><br>True contentment comes from a relationship with Christ, not from material possessions or indulgent living. Believers are encouraged to find joy in God's provision and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_esther_1's_banquets.htm">How do we reconcile the portrayal of lavish banquets in Esther 1 with other biblical condemnations of excess and opulence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_alternative_medicine.htm">What is the Bible's view on alternative medicine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_ayurveda.htm">What does the Bible say about Ayurvedic medicine?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_'pleasing_aroma'_significant.htm">In Leviticus 1:9, why is a 'pleasing aroma' significant to an omnipotent, immaterial God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Wine and oil.--</span>The accompaniments of a feast. The oil, or precious unguents, were poured over the head (comp. <a href="/psalms/23-5.htm" title="You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.">Psalm 23:5</a>). It was the excessive love and gratitude of the two Marys (<a href="/luke/7-38.htm" title="And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.">Luke 7:38</a>; <a href="/john/12-3.htm" title="Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.">John 12:3</a>) which prompted them to anoint the Lord's feet. These perfumes were sometimes of great value, the "pound of ointment of spikenard<span class= "ital">" </span>(<a href="/john/12-3.htm" title="Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.">John 12:3</a>) was worth "more than three hundred pence" (10 12s. 6d.), the wages of a day labourer (<a href="/matthew/20-2.htm" title="And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.">Matthew 20:2</a>) for nearly a year.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man;</span> <span class="accented">qui diligit epulas</span>, Vulgate; for feasts are chiefly, though not exclusively, intended. He shall become "a man of want" (<span class="accented">machesor</span>) as <a href="/proverbs/11-24.htm">Proverbs 11:24</a>. <span class="cmt_word">He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.</span> "Wine and oil" were the usual adjuncts of banquets (<a href="/psalms/23-5.htm">Psalm 23:5</a>; <a href="/psalms/104-15.htm">Psalm 104:15</a>). Some unguents used for anointing honoured guests were very costly. The pound of spikenard expended by Mary of Bethany was worth more than three hundred pence - the wages of a labourer for nearly a whole year (see <a href="/john/12-3.htm">John 12:3</a>; <a href="/matthew/20-2.htm">Matthew 20:2</a>). Indulgence in such luxuries would be a token of prodigality and extravagance, which are the sure precursors of ruin; while, on the other hand, according to the trite proverb, <span class="accented">Magnum vectigal est parsimonia.</span> That fulness of meat and luxurious habits tend to spiritual poverty and the loss of grace, need not be insisted on. Septuagint, "A man in want (<span class="greek">ἐνδεὴς</span>) loveth mirth, loving wine and oil unto wealth (<span class="greek">εἰς</span> <span class="greek">πλοῦτον</span>)." Some translate the last words, "in abundance," as if the meaning was that the poor endeavours to mitigate the severity of his lot by getting all the pleasure he can from creature comforts however procured. Others think that a negative has fallen out of the Greek, which should be, "not unto wealth," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> he shall not be enriched thereby. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/21-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">He who loves</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹהֵ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·hêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">pleasure</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will become poor;</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֭חְסוֹר</span> <span class="translit">(maḥ·sō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4270.htm">Strong's 4270: </a> </span><span class="str2">A need, thing needed, poverty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the one who loves</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹהֵ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·hêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_157.htm">Strong's 157: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have affection f</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wine</span><br /><span class="heb">יַֽיִן־</span> <span class="translit">(ya·yin-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wine, intoxication</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and oil</span><br /><span class="heb">וָ֝שֶׁ֗מֶן</span> <span class="translit">(wā·še·men)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8081.htm">Strong's 8081: </a> </span><span class="str2">Grease, liquid, richness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">become rich.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשִֽׁיר׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·šîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6238.htm">Strong's 6238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, rich</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/21-17.htm">Proverbs 21:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/21-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 21:17 He who loves pleasure shall be (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 21:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/21-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 21:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 21:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>