Chapter 10 contains a series of proverbs, expressing the wisdom and caution of the natural man. There are a number of observations here and all show that there is a practical value in wisdom and that it has certain advantages. As a whole, these proverbs need no extensive explanations. 

Ecclesiastes 10:19 says, “A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.”  This verse seems to be given in reference to verse 18 which says, “By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through.”  Laziness produces nothing and is thereby destructive.  A cause of this deterioration is the desire to celebrate instead of working. 

* “A feast is made for laughter.”  While a meal is made for fulfilling a desire to satisfy one’s hunger, a feast goes far beyond.  It is for revelry and having a good time.  It is not to satisfy a need for food, but to satisfy a need for enjoyment and indulging in fleshly pleasures.

* “Wine maketh merry.”  People often use God’s good gifts of bread and wine as means of self-indulgence and thoughtless pleasures such as gluttony and drunkenness. Psalm 104:15 teaches us that it is wine that “maketh glad the heart of man.”

* “But money answereth all things.”  At the beginning, I mentioned how this book expresses the wisdom and caution of the NATURAL MAN.  How true it is that so many people, especially those of wealth, believe that money is the answer to all the ills of life. 

Are you sad?  Money will make you happy. 

Are you hungry or thirsty?  Money can buy what it takes to satisfy you. 

Are you lonely?  Money can supply you will all kinds of friends.

We could go on and on, but the over-riding consensus in the world is that money is the answer…no matter what the problem.  Bread and water will satisfy hunger and thirst, but fine foods and expensive wines are the preference of the wealthy. 

May we all hear the words of the Lord to us in 1 Timothy 6:8-10, “And having food and raiment LET US BE THEREWITH CONTENT. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 

* Earthly things will fade with time.  Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” 

* Heavenly things will never fade away.  1 Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”

May we be wise in understanding those things which are truly valuable.  Money is not the answer.  The Lord is the answer to all our needs, questions, and search for true happiness.  (410.6)