Self-Indulgence Source of Poverty
Proverbs 21:17
He that loves pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loves wine and oil shall not be rich.


Self-indulgence is prevalent amongst all classes.

I. It involves an EXTRAVAGANCE OF EXPENDITURE. Pleasure is an expensive divinity. The largest fortunes must often be laid upon its altar.

II. It involves a FOSTERING OF LAZINESS. The self-indulgent man becomes such a lover of ease that effort of any kind becomes distasteful; the spirit of industry forsakes him. "He that loveth pleasure, shall be a poor man; he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich." But whilst it is true that self-indulgence leads to material poverty, it also leads to intellectual poverty. The man who would get his soul strong in holy resolves and righteous principles must agonise to enter in at the strait gate of habitual reflection, holy labour and earnest worship. This the self-indulgent man will not do.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

WEB: He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man. He who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.




Moderation in Pleasure
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