Proverbs 21:17 He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich. 

This proverb highlights the moral and practical consequences of indulgence. A person who prioritises pleasure, the use of alcohol (or other intoxicants), and luxury over responsibility and diligence will ultimately suffer loss.

The phrase “shall be a poor man” does not necessarily refer only to financial poverty – it includes spiritual and moral impoverishment. Indulgence in pleasure, the consumption of alcohol, or constant pursuit of personal enjoyment can erode discipline, work ethic, and foresight, leaving a person unprepared for life’s responsibilities.

Similarly, the love of “wine and oil” – symbols of luxury, festivity, and indulgence – reflects a lifestyle that prioritises gratification over wise stewardship. The proverb warns that persistent indulgence leads to depletion of resources, whether material, relational, or spiritual.

The words pleasure, wine, and oil carry symbolic significance: Pleasure refers broadly to indulgence in enjoyment and amusement. Wine symbolises the use of intoxicants, excess in eating, and all the social indulgences that accompany celebration. Oil (perfume) signifies luxury, festivity, and sensual enjoyment. Together, these terms represent social festivity and hedonism (compare Proverbs 27:9; Psalm 104:15; Amos 6:6).

In short, those who pursue pleasure without wisdom or restraint will eventually find themselves lacking – not only in material resources, but also in character, discipline, and readiness for life’s challenges. A life centred solely on indulgence weakens judgment and erodes the habits that build stability and purpose. In contrast, grace and lasting reward are found in righteousness, diligence, and self-control, virtues that strengthen both the individual and their future, rather than in the fleeting pleasures of this world.