What does it mean that “money is the answer for everything” in Ecclesiastes 10:19?

Response

The saying “Money is the answer for everything” appears within a section of Ecclesiastes that presents a series of seemingly unrelated proverbs. The complete proverb reads: “A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything” «A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. », (Ecclesiastes 10:19). The Bible is not suggesting that we should prioritize revelry and wealth; instead, it is conveying a broader message about wisdom versus foolishness.

Before delving into the meaning of this particular proverb, let’s explore the overarching theme of the book of Ecclesiastes. In this book, the human author addresses the question “How should one live their life without God?” The text contains worldly wisdom, some of which is practical advice, while some is neither good nor godly. One could characterize the book as “Insights into Worldly Perspectives.”

A recurring phrase in Ecclesiastes is “under the sun,” emphasizing an earthly viewpoint. The author solely considers life “under the sun,” devoid of any acknowledgment of God or eternity. From this secular standpoint, everything is deemed “meaningless” «Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. », (Ecclesiastes 1:2,14) «I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. », (Ecclesiastes 1:2,14).

Ecclesiastes 10:19 and the assertion that “money is the answer for everything” are part of a collection of reflections on wisdom and folly. Th

The behaviors and outcomes of the wise and foolish are being contrasted. For example, Ecclesiastes 10:5–7 presents the error of elevating the foolish to positions of leadership. Verse 10 relates the wisdom of preparation and training.

In regard to interpreting Ecclesiastes 10:19, different commentators take different views:

Some see 10:16–20 as the application of the “wisdom-folly” contrast to a nation’s leaders. Thus verse 19 says that, even for foolish kings and princes (verse 16), and even for the lazy (verse 18), money makes everyone hear and respond. If you have money, you have influence and resources: “Money answers to every demand, hears every wish, grants whatever one longs for, helps to all” Keil and Delitzsch, Old Testament Commentary, 6:779. In this view, the statement that “money is the answer for everything” is an ancient version of our modern saying “Money talks.”

Others see Ecclesiastes 10:18–20 as a separate section and view verse 19 as taking a practical view of money: “At least some money is essential for enjoying life, and steps must therefore be taken to ensure that the economy is sound” Garrett, The New American Commentary, 14:337.

Most likely, “money is the answer for everything” is simply an expression of folly. The proverb mentions feasting, wine, and merry-making as well as money. To the foolish, “it is money that is the answer to everything” Eaton, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, 16:138. In modern terms, the life of the foolish is circumscribed by partying, alcohol, and money. We see this foolishness play itself out in the world daily. There’s nothing new under the sun «The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. », (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

It is unfortunately true that “money talks” and seems to be the answer to everything in our world. BuTo wisdom’s decree, from the king downward, pursuing wealth leads to trouble (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Not all issues can be resolved with money. Ultimately, Mammon is a harsh master, and only a fool would declare, “Money is the answer to everything.”