19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things.

Other Translations of Ecclesiastes 10:19

New International Version

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

English Standard Version

19 Bread is made for laughter, and wine gladdens life, and money answers everything.

The Message

19 Laughter and bread go together, And wine gives sparkle to life - But it's money that makes the world go around.

New King James Version

19 A feast is made for laughter, And wine makes merry; But money answers everything.

New Living Translation

19 A party gives laughter, wine gives happiness, and money gives everything!

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:19

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 10:16-20

(Read Ecclesiastes 10:16-20)

The happiness of a land depends on the character of its rulers. The people cannot be happy when their princes are childish, and lovers of pleasure. Slothfulness is of ill consequence both to private and public affairs. Money, of itself, will neither feed nor clothe, though it answers the occasions of this present life, as what is to be had, may generally be had for money. But the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained with corruptible things, as silver and gold. God sees what men do, and hears what they say in secret; and, when he pleases, brings it to light by strange and unsuspected ways. If there be hazard in secret thoughts and whispers against earthly rulers, what must be the peril from every deed, word, or thought of rebellion against the King of kings, and Lord of lords! He seeth in secret. His ear is ever open. Sinner! curse not THIS KING in thy inmost thought. Your curses cannot affect Him; but his curse, coming down upon you, will sink you to the lowest hell.