Ecclesiastes 10:19 Laughter and bread go together, And wine gives sparkle to life— But it’s money that makes the world go around. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wi (2024)

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What does Ecclesiastes chapter 10 verse 19 mean? ›

Nevertheless, we are not lesser saints if we enjoy the Lord's material blessings as part of honoring Him with our wealth. The Preacher's statement that "money answers everything" (Eccl. 10:19) is a simple practical observation that wealth is a tool that can meet the need for food, clothing, shelter, and so on.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 in Other Translations

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. 19 Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. 19 A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!

The officials make a feast for enjoyment [instead of repairing what is broken], and serve wine to make life merry, and money is the answer to everything.

Ecclesiastes 10:19 New International Version (NIV)

A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.

The choices made by a foolish man are the opposite of choices made by a wise man. Their heart leads each man in opposite directions. That means the wise and foolish have opposing perspectives and opposing objectives. Everyone has an innate sense that allows them to discern the difference between wisdom and foolishness.

The book reveals the necessity of fearing God in a fallen and frequently confusing and frustrating world. Humans seek lasting significance, but no matter how great their accomplishments, humans are unable to achieve the lasting significance they desire.

Ecclesiastes is written by “The Preacher” son of David, most likely Solomon. It begins with the preacher pondering the meaning of life in search for an answer in how one may find satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes 10 1

Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is. If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest. Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.

ESV Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. NIV I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

The Bible represents it as 1) a tool with which to accomplish certain pre-determined purposes (Philippians 4:11-13); 2) a test of the user's loyalties (Luke 16:11-13); and 3) a testimony to the values and priorities that have shaped the user's character. Money, then, is not an end in itself.

What does the Bible say about money in Ecclesiastes? ›

Ecclesiastes 5:10 in Other Translations

10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness!

The principle here is that secrets always end up being known. If you want to criticize a king or a rich man, they will find out, and you will suffer the consequence. So better to only speak in private what you are willing to make known in public.

Eccl. 10:19) Eating, along with pleasant conversation, can be most enjoyable. But bread cannot be obtained without money, and there is limited rejoicing from drinking wine when a person has very little for life's necessities. In this present system, money is the means by which all material things can be obtai...

Ecclesiastes 10:19 In-Context

18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

Isaiah 55:2-3 New International Version (NIV)

Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live.

Christ is the bread that came down from heaven and will give life to the world. In Him the Word became flesh (John 1:14). It means that the word was realized through his life – a heavenly glory that was revealed through His body. His flesh is food indeed, and His blood is drink indeed (John 6:55).

So we can see that storing up “treasures in heaven” does include giving to your local church, nonprofits, and to those in need. But that's not all. There's more to laying up “treasures in heaven” than giving away our money and possessions. It also includes living for God's glory and the good of others.

Metaphorical extensions. The phrase "Man shall not live by bread alone" is today a common expression meaning that people need more than material things to truly live. However, it is also sometimes used in almost the opposite sense to justify material luxuries beyond simple things like bread.