Old Testament
Proverbs 21:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Anyone who loves pleasure will become poor; anyone who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
Compare translations
He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.
What Proverbs 21:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse warns against the dangers of prioritizing pleasure and indulgence over hard work and responsibility. It suggests that those who seek immediate gratification, such as through excessive drinking or luxurious living, will ultimately face financial hardship. The message is clear: a life focused on fleeting pleasures can lead to poverty, both materially and spiritually. Instead of chasing after temporary satisfaction, individuals are encouraged to cultivate discipline and make wise choices that lead to lasting wealth and fulfillment. The verse serves as a reminder that true prosperity comes from diligence and moderation, rather than from a hedonistic lifestyle.
How to apply Proverbs 21:17 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on setting priorities that promote long-term success rather than short-term pleasures. Evaluate your spending habits and consider how they align with your financial goals. Cultivating self-discipline in areas like entertainment and consumption can lead to greater stability and wealth over time.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 21:17
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 21:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 21:17 teach about pleasure?
Proverbs 21:17 warns that a love for pleasure can lead to poverty. It highlights the dangers of prioritizing immediate gratification, such as through excessive drinking or luxurious living, over hard work and responsibility. The verse suggests that those who chase fleeting pleasures may ultimately face financial hardship.
How can I apply Proverbs 21:17 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 21:17, focus on setting priorities that support long-term success instead of short-term pleasures. Assess your spending habits and ensure they align with your financial goals. Practicing self-discipline in areas like entertainment and consumption can lead to greater financial stability and wealth over time.
What are the consequences of indulgence according to this verse?
According to Proverbs 21:17, indulging in pleasures like wine and luxury can result in financial struggles. The verse emphasizes that a lifestyle centered around immediate satisfaction can lead to poverty, both materially and spiritually, highlighting the importance of moderation and responsibility.
What is the main message of Proverbs 21:17?
The main message of Proverbs 21:17 is that prioritizing pleasure and indulgence over hard work can lead to poverty. It encourages individuals to cultivate discipline and make wise choices that contribute to lasting wealth and fulfillment, rather than chasing after temporary pleasures.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.