What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 10:19? A feast is prepared for laughter • Solomon points to the simple, God-given goodness of shared meals. “A feast is prepared for laughter,” (Ecclesiastes 10:19a). • Throughout Scripture, feasting is tied to joy and fellowship: – “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad hearts” (Acts 2:46). – Levi’s banquet for Jesus in Luke 5:29 shows hospitality as a witness. • Laughter at the table is not trivial; it echoes God’s invitation to rejoice in His gifts (Psalm 104:14-15 speaks of produce and “wine that gladdens the heart of man”). • When we gather gratefully: – We acknowledge God as Provider. – We strengthen bonds within the body of Christ. – We anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). and wine makes life merry • “and wine makes life merry,” (Ecclesiastes 10:19b). • Wine, like any good gift, is meant to be received with thanksgiving and used wisely (1 Timothy 4:4). • Scripture balances celebration with caution: – Blessing: Jesus turned water into wine at Cana (John 2:10), underscoring joy. – Warning: “Do not join those who drink too much wine” (Proverbs 23:20). • Practical takeaways: – Enjoy without excess; self-control is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). – Let merriment draw us to praise, not to folly (Ephesians 5:18-19: “be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms”). – Remember that the true source of lasting joy is the Lord (Psalm 16:11). but money is the answer for everything • “but money is the answer for everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19c). • In the realm of everyday life, money is a versatile tool: – It pays debts, buys food, funds ministry, and meets urgent needs (Proverbs 13:22 speaks of an inheritance passing on). – Even the temple required financial resources (Exodus 35:21). • Yet Solomon’s broader writings show the limits of wealth: – “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter” (Ecclesiastes 7:12), but wisdom is better. – “The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). – Jesus warns, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). • Healthy perspective: – See money as provision from God, to be managed as stewardship (1 Chronicles 29:14). – Use it to bless others and advance the gospel (Luke 16:9). – Never let it displace our reliance on the Lord (Proverbs 11:28: “Whoever trusts in riches will fall”). summary Ecclesiastes 10:19 offers a snapshot of life under the sun: meals foster joy, wine brings cheer, and money handles many practical matters. Each element is a legitimate gift when held with gratitude, governed by wisdom, and subordinated to God Himself. True fulfillment arrives not through abundance of food, drink, or cash, but through honoring the Giver while faithfully using His good provisions for His glory and the good of others. |
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