Ecclesiastes 10:19 states, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything.” This verse has led some to conclude that the Bible teaches “money is the answer for everything.” However, a close examination of the verse in context shows this interpretation is misguided. Here is an in-depth look at what Ecclesiastes 10:19 really means.
1. The Book of Ecclesiastes
First, some background about Ecclesiastes is helpful. This Old Testament book was likely written by King Solomon late in his life. Solomon recounts his lifelong pursuit of meaning through worldly pleasure, wealth, power, and wisdom. His conclusion: “all is vanity” apart from fearing and obeying God (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). The book shows the emptiness of living for worldly gain rather than eternal spiritual treasures.
Ecclesiastes contains proverbial sayings more than direct theological declarations. Its teachings must be understood in the context of the entire book, not isolated as standalone verses. With its candid descriptions and occasionally cynical tone, Ecclesiastes requires careful interpretation.
2. The Immediate Context of Ecclesiastes 10:19
Looking at the surrounding verses gives important context. Ecclesiastes 10:18-20 says:
Through laziness the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks. Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything. Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, for a bird of the air may carry your voice, or some winged creature tell the matter.
This passage falls within a section about wisdom, foolishness, and life under the sun. The surrounding verses address various themes: wise living, avoiding laziness, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, being careful your words, and respecting authority.
In context, verse 19 seems to be a general statement about money’s power and usefulness for acquiring things in this life. But it is not claiming money has ultimate importance or can buy lasting fulfillment. Such a notion would contradict Ecclesiastes’ core message.
3. The Larger Teaching of Ecclesiastes
Looking broader, Ecclesiastes consistently warns against finding life’s meaning in money:
Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)
A person may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long they live, if they cannot enjoy their prosperity and do not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than they. (Ecclesiastes 6:3)
Rather than finding hope in money, the book points to fearing God:
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
In light of these passages, Ecclesiastes 10:19 cannot mean money is the ultimate solution to life’s problems or provides enduring meaning and joy.
4. The Rest of Scripture
The Bible as a whole contradicts the notion that money is the answer for everything. Jesus taught:
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (Matthew 6:24)
The apostle Paul wrote:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)
These and many other passages show money should not be our life’s pursuit. Loving money leads to all kinds of spiritual problems.
5. A Better Interpretation
A better understanding of Ecclesiastes 10:19 is that money is powerful for acquiring earthly things, but it cannot provide ultimate meaning and lasting fulfillment. It answers temporary “everything” but not eternal “everything.”
In the context of enjoying life’s simple pleasures (Ecclesiastes 10:18-19a), money can enhance those joys. But those pleasures are fleeting, not final. Money facilitates pleasure, entertainment, possessions, influence, security – many temporal wants. But it cannot meet our deepest needs.
Money serves a helpful role in this fallen world. But loving it leads to misery, and seeing it as life’s purpose leads to emptiness. Only God can provide eternal joy, meaning, and satisfaction.
6. Walking in Wisdom
How should we live in light of this? Ecclesiastes teaches we should enjoy life’s simple gifts without making an idol of money:
So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
We are called to be wise with money, using it as a tool but not letting it rule us. God intends money to fund relationships, ministry, and meeting needs – not to be hoarded as our life goal. We can utilize money in this world without worshipping it as our functional god.
7. Our True Hope
Ecclesiastes shows that life under the sun does not offer ultimate meaning and satisfaction. Our souls long for more. God designed us to find our true delight in relationship with him:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
This world cannot fulfill us. But Jesus promised:
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
May we build our lives on Christ, not money. He alone is the eternal answer for everything.