In Proverbs 21:17, “oil” symbolizes abundance and prosperity, often associated with joy and blessing. The verse contrasts the pursuit of pleasure with the consequences of extravagance, implying that a life focused solely on indulgence may lead to poverty.
Scripture
22 The Lord said to Moses,
23 “Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane,”
24 and cassia, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part),
25 And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
26 With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony,
27 And the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense,
28 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand,
29 You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy.
30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
31 And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.
32 It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you.
33 Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.
Meaning of Oil in Proverbs 21:17
In Proverbs 21:17, which states “He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich,” the use of “oil” carries significant connotations of abundance, prosperity, and joy, particularly in the cultural context of ancient Israel. Oil was a valuable commodity, often used for anointing, cooking, and lighting, symbolizing not just material wealth but also spiritual richness and divine favor. This ties into the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where the wise use of resources leads to blessings, as reflected in verses such as Proverbs 10:22, “The blessing of the Lord makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” The connection between oil and the joy of the Lord further emphasizes the positive aspects of having abundance when viewed through the lens of gratitude and wisdom.
However, the verse also serves as a cautionary note against the hedonistic pursuit of pleasure. It implies that an obsession with indulgence—symbolized here by oil and wine—can lead to a form of poverty that is not merely financial but encompasses spiritual and emotional deprivation. This theme resonates with other biblical warnings about the dangers of excess, as seen in Proverbs 23:20-21: “Do not be among winebibbers, or among gluttonous eaters of meat; for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and slumber will clothe them with rags.” Thus, Proverbs 21:17 invites readers to reflect on the importance of temperance and the understanding that true wealth transcends material possessions, resting more in the blessings and wisdom that come from a life aligned with God’s principles.
The significance of oil in the context of Proverbs extends beyond mere material wealth, tapping into deeper themes of wisdom, restraint, and the character of a life lived in alignment with divine principles. In biblical literature, oil becomes a metaphor for the blessings that result from wise living. The imagery associated with oil, representing richness and the favor of God, insinuates that it is not only the substance itself but the attitude of the heart toward such blessings that matters most. This dichotomy propels the reader towards an understanding that while oil—and by extension, wealth—can symbolize prosperity, an excessive love for pleasure can lead one’s focus astray, inhibiting spiritual growth and genuine fulfillment.
Additionally, the motif of oil is intricately tied to the concept of anointing—a practice that not only signifies physical blessing but also spiritual empowerment. In various passages throughout Scripture, oil serves as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, representing anointing, healing, and sanctification, underscoring the idea that spiritual wealth far surpasses material gain. By recognizing oil as a symbol of privilege and empowerment, the wisdom of Proverbs encourages individuals to be stewards of their resources rather than slaves to their pleasures. This mindset fosters an understanding that true satisfaction lies in a balanced life, where one appreciates the gifts of the divine while prioritizing wisdom, restraint, and a deep relationship with God, leading to lasting fulfillment that transcends mere physical abundance.
Symbol of Abundance and Blessing
In biblical literature, oil often symbolizes abundance and divine blessing. It is associated with prosperity and the good life, reflecting the idea that those who seek pleasure and indulgence may find themselves lacking in true fulfillment. The use of oil in this context can represent the richness of life that comes from wisdom and righteousness, contrasting with the emptiness of a life focused solely on material pleasures.
Representation of Spiritual Anointing
Oil is also a significant symbol of spiritual anointing and empowerment in the Bible. It is used in the anointing of kings, priests, and prophets, signifying God’s chosen ones. In the context of Proverbs 21:17, the mention of oil can imply that those who pursue a life of wisdom and righteousness are anointed by God, receiving His favor and guidance. This spiritual aspect highlights the importance of aligning one’s life with divine principles to experience true joy and fulfillment.
Contrast Between Temporary and Lasting Joy
Furthermore, oil can represent the contrast between temporary pleasures and lasting joy. While oil may be associated with indulgence and immediate gratification, the broader biblical narrative emphasizes that true joy comes from a life lived in accordance with God’s will. This duality serves as a reminder that while seeking pleasure may provide fleeting satisfaction, it is the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness that leads to enduring happiness and fulfillment.
How to Prioritize Spiritual Wealth Over Material Gain
As you embark on the journey of prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gain, it’s essential to cultivate a mindset that values the eternal over the temporary. Start by reflecting on the teachings of Jesus, who reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth, but to focus on treasures in heaven. This means intentionally setting aside time for prayer, meditation, and reading scripture, allowing these practices to nourish your soul and deepen your relationship with God. Surround yourself with a community that shares your values, encouraging one another to seek spiritual growth rather than the fleeting satisfaction of material possessions. Remember, true fulfillment comes from acts of love, kindness, and service to others, which enrich your spirit far more than any material wealth ever could. Embrace the joy that comes from giving, sharing, and living a life that reflects Christ’s love, and you’ll find that your heart naturally gravitates toward the richness of spiritual treasures.
Bible References to the Meaning of Oil:
Leviticus 2:1-16: 1 “When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it
2 And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests, and shall take from it a handful of the fine flour and oil, with all of its frankincense, and the priest shall burn this as its memorial portion on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
3 And the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the Lord’s food offerings.
4 “When you bring a grain offering baked in the oven as an offering, it shall be unleavened loaves of fine flour mixed with oil or unleavened wafers smeared with oil.
5 And if your offering is a grain offering baked on a griddle, it shall be of fine flour unleavened, mixed with oil.
6 You shall break it in pieces and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering.
7 And if your offering is a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers smeared with oil.
8 And you shall bring the grain offering that is made of these things to the Lord, and when it is presented to the priest, he shall bring it to the altar.
9 And the priest shall take from the grain offering its memorial portion and burn this on the altar, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
10 But the rest of the grain offering shall be for Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the Lord’s food offerings.
11 You shall not leaven anything that is offered in sacrifice to the Lord.
12 As an offering of firstfruits you may bring them to the Lord, but they shall not be offered on the altar for a pleasing aroma.
13 You shall season all your grain offerings with salt. You shall not let the salt of the covenant with your God be missing from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt.
14 And if you offer a grain offering of firstfruits to the Lord, you shall offer for the grain offering of your firstfruits fresh ears, roasted with fire, crushed new grain.
15 You shall put oil on it and lay frankincense on it; it is a grain offering.
16 And the priest shall burn as its memorial portion some of the crushed grain and some of the oil with all of its frankincense; it is a food offering to the Lord.
1 Samuel 16:1-13: 16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’
3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem.
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
2 Kings 4:1-7: 1 Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but the creditor has come to take my two children to be his slaves.”
2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me; what have you in the house?” And she said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”
3 Then he said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels and not too few.
4 Then go in and shut the door behind yourself and your sons and pour into all these vessels. And when one is full, set it aside.”
5 So she went from him and shut the door behind herself and her sons. And as she poured they brought the vessels to her.
6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another.” Then the oil stopped flowing.
7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
Psalm 23:1-6: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 45:7-8: 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
8 Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad.
Isaiah 61:1-3: 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
Matthew 25:1-13: 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom.”
2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.
3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.
5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.
6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’
7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.
11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’
12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.
Mark 6:12-13: 12 So they went out and proclaimed that people should repent.
13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
Luke 7:36-50: 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.
48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
James 5:14-15: 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.