Proverbs 21:17
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and olive oil will never be rich.

This proverb is direct, but a little baffling at first. The word “rich,” in our culture, is often associated with the ability to access pleasure and wealth when we want it; in ancient Israel, wine and olive oil were some of the most luxurious products available, usually only provided for feasts and expensive ointments. Why would the writer of Proverbs tell us that these kinds of wealth will make us poor?

The key here is to remember that physical wealth and spiritual wealth are two very different things. Physical wealth, the wealth we can see and touch, brings us passing happiness and pleasure, as well as the ability to access more of that state of being. Spiritual wealth, on the other hand, is not made up of things we can own, see, or touch, but is instead a wealth of inner peace, calm, and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

We often strive so hard for the markers of physical wealth: a big house, fancy car, nice clothes, cushy job, latest technology, lots of friends, etc. Sometimes, we can let this pursuit of physical wealth start to rule our lives. We can even start associating physical wealth with self-respect, power, and our own personal “goodness.”

This proverb’s warning is that all physical wealth is transitory, and will not sustain us. When we rely too much on physical wealth, we deprive ourselves of spiritual wealth. The old adage “Money can’t buy happiness” is appropriate here, but should actually read “Money can’t buy you joy”–at least, not the long-lasting, utterly unshakable joy that comes from God. That is a wealth beyond any price tag, and makes you literally a more contented person.

If this proverb (and my explanation/application of it) seems a little too good to be true, then believe the words of a lifelong complainer/whiner: I never believed I could have that kind of joy, not until I rededicated myself to God. If you want that same kind of solid, dependable peace that physical wealth can never provide, it may just be time for you to close your eyes, bow your head, and ask God for help with whatever is bothering you. You may just be pleasantly surprised by the result.