Although never one to (i) _______life’s pleasures, only recently had Paul devoted himself entirely to (ii) _______ pursuits. In years past, Paul had adeptly balanced his love of fine wine and women with (iii) _______career.There is a contrast being suggested between recent times and years past in this sentence.
In the past we are told that Paul adeptly balanced his love of fine wine and women with some kind of career. Since the word balance indicates two contrasting entities, we can be sure it must have been an
exacting career and not a
feckless (irresponsible) or
nugatory (no value or importance) one.
If he was balanced in his pleasure seeking in the past, in recent times, he would be
hedonistic.
The idiom "Although never one to" indicates a progression from moderate to excessive and therefore, the best word is
eschew.
Although never one to eschew life's pleasures, only recently had Paul devoted himself entirely to hedonistic pursuites.
_________________