“Men prepare a meal for enjoyment, and wine makes life merry, and money is the answer to everything” (Ecclesiastes 10:19).
Solomon has had much to say about the fool. The book of Ecclesiastes has dozens of references to him. But in 10:19 Solomon seems to sum up the life philosophy of the fool. This philosophy is described in three statements:
1) Men prepare a meal for enjoyment. While enjoying food is not a sin (cf. 2:24; 5:18), the fool’s selfish, self-gratifying perspective is what is being described here. He has the “it’s all about me” philosophy. Maybe he is even guilty of the sin of gluttony. Solomon noted that we “eat for strength” (10:17). Paul said that we should receive food with prayer and gratitude (1 Tim. 4:3-5).
2) Wine makes life merry. Only the fool would operate on this shallow, self-seeking perspective. “Happiness at all costs” is his theme. Yet Solomon pointed out in chapter seven that going to a house of mourning was a better choice than going to the house of feasting (7:2, 4). The Bible is filled with warnings about alcohol (cf. Prov. 20:1). The wise man knows he should avoid drinking it. It will not bring happiness, but instead will increase one’s sorrow.
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3) Money is the answer to everything. This serves as a fitting wrap-up to the fool’s theme song. Riches are deceptive and cannot provide genuine happiness and satisfaction (5:13-17). The fool here is certainly being deceived. How many today are sadly deceived with this same foolish belief? The rich fool was (Luke 12:13-21). The rich young ruler was (Matt. 19:16-26). Paul warned that the love of money is a root (or source) of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:9). History is replete with stories of men and women who had tremendous wealth but died miserable, lonely and godless. Some even committed suicide. Obviously money will not answer many of life’s troubles.
Have we learned anything? We live in a world that has these same warped views. It is a world that embraces the warped philosophy of the “good life.” Money, food and alcohol continue to plague us when not viewed or used correctly.
Denny Petrillo
