Franklin contrasts the speed of consumption with the slowness of repayment. A person may readily spend money, or consume goods on credit, when seeking immediate pleasure, yet become much less eager when the resulting bill has to be settled. The reference to drinking gives the saying a humorous form while pointing to a wider problem of enjoying something now and postponing its financial consequences.

The proverb also connects self-control with financial responsibility. Habitual or excessive spending can create obligations that are harder to meet later, particularly when consumption is easier than earning the money needed to pay for it. Franklin does not suggest that drinking necessarily leads to debt. His broader point is that immediate gratification can encourage people to overlook future costs. Prudence therefore requires considering payment and consequences at the same time as the pleasure or benefit being sought.