The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, March 10, 2025

A Just Man Falls Seven Times and Rises Again - Proverbs 24:16

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not his resting place”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse sixteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “for a just man falls seven times” where we read,

For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again;

but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

The verse begins, “For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again;” Solomon began with the words, “for a just man” or “because, since and on account that a person whether male or female who is right, correct and lawful” “falls seven times” which means “is cast down, prostrated, attacked and wasted on seven different occasions”, “and rises up again” or “and stands up, arises and is proven and fixed another time”. Solomon shared how a person who is “righteous” is cast down and prostrated on seven different occasions, however, they stand up and are proven yet another time.

The verse goes on to say, “but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Solomon continued with the words, “but the wicked” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover people who are criminal, guilty of crime, evil and hostile to God” “shall fall into mischief” which means “will be cast down, prostrated, attacked and wasted toward bad, disagreeableness, malignancy and unpleasantness”. Solomon said people who are evil and hostile to God will tumble into disagreeableness and malignancy.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how a person who is lawful and correct is cast down and attacked on seven different occasions, however they get up yet another time. However, a person who is evil and hostile to God will topple into malignancy and unpleasantness. God wants us to be righteous, and He will provide His fortitude to endure “falling down” over and over again when we surrender our lives to Him. He wants us to keep away from “evil” and hostility to Him because these traits will cause us to be cast into troublesome and disagreeable times. God loves us, and He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus. When we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to be “just” and how to avoid being “wicked” when difficulties come, so we can rise again and again before His eyes.

Next time Solomon says, “rejoice not when your enemy falls”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Not Laying Wait Against the Dwelling of the Righteous - Proverbs 24:15

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “My son, eat you honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste. So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul: when you have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your expectation shall not be cut off”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse fifteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous” where we read,

Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;

spoil not his resting place:

The verse begins, “Lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous;” Solomon began with the words, “lay not wait” or “do not lurk and wait in ambush”, “O wicked man” which means “O criminal, guilty of crime, evil and hostile to God person whether male or female”, “against the dwelling” or “opposed and in resistance to the habitation, abode and home” “of the righteous” which means “belonging to people who are right, just, lawful and correct”. Solomon instructed people who are evil and hostile to God not to wait in ambush in opposition to people who are lawful, just and right.

The verse continues, “spoil not his resting place:” Solomon added the words, “spoil not” or “do not despoil, devastate, ruin or destroy” “his resting place” which means “, his, the righteous person's, couch, place of repose or lying down”. Solomon told the “wicked” not to devastate or ruin the “righteous person's place of lying down for rest.

When we consider Solomon's words in this verse, we discover his exhortation to people who are evil and hostile to God concerning rising up against the homes and “resting places” of people who are just and lawful. God knows the activities of all people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, anyone who puts their faith and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and protected from evil and “wicked” people who desire to ambush and destroy the homes and places of rest that belong to the righteous.

Next time Solomon says, “for a just man falls seven times”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Knowledge of Wisdom - Proverbs 24:14

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “My son, eat you honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse fourteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul” where we read,

So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul:

when you have found it, then there shall be a reward,

and your expectation shall not be cut off.

The verse begins, “So shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul:” Solomon began with the words, “so shall the knowledge” or “therefore and thus will the perception, discernment and distinguishing” “of wisdom” which means “pertaining to skill, shrewd and prudence” “be unto you soul” or “exist toward your, Solomon's son's, heart, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections”. Solomon shared how perception of skill and shrewdness would exist within his son's heart, mind and will similar to the pleasant taste provided through devouring honey.

The verse goes on to say, “when you have found it, then there shall be a reward,” Solomon continued with the words, “when you have found it” or “at the time and moment you, Solomon's son, have discovered, perceived and discerned the knowledge of wisdom”, “then there shall be a reward” which means “at that time there will exist an after part, end, latter time and remnant”. Solomon said his son would discover a future benefit and hope after gaining the perception of skill, prudence and shrewdness.

Finally the verse says, “and your expectation shall not be cut off”. Solomon concluded this verse with the words, “and your expectation” or “and your, Solomon's son's, hope, outcome and expectancy” “shall not be cut off” which means “will in no way or manner exist as eliminated and destroyed”. Solomon ended this verse by saying that his son's hope and expectancy would not be destroyed or eliminated.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how the pleasant taste produced through consuming honey is similar to the result that will be gained when his son perceives skill and prudence. God wants to bless us with His wisdom, and He gives it liberally to every person who asks Him. (See James 1:5) He wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to seek the “knowledge of wisdom” to receive the benefits from it like the pleasant taste of honey as well as a hope that will not be extinguished.

Next time Solomon says, “lay not wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Eat Honey, Because It's Good - Proverbs 24:13

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain. If you say, Behold, we knew it not; does not he that ponders the heart consider it? And he that keeps your soul, does he not know it? And shall not he render to every man according to his works?”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse thirteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “my son, eat you honey, because it is good” where we read,

My son, eat you honey, because it is good;

and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.

The verse begins, “My son, eat you honey, because it is good;” Solomon began with the words, “my son” or “my, Solomon's, male prodigy and offspring”,“eat you honey” which means “consume and devour gummy honey or syrup”, “because it is good” or “since and on account it, honey, exists as pleasant, agreeable, rich, valuable and prosperous”. Solomon instructed his “son” to consume sweet “honey” on account that “honey” is pleasant and agreeable.

The verse continues, “and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste.” Solomon added the words, “and the honeycomb” or “and the flowing and dropping down honey from the comb”, “which is sweet” which means “that exists as pleasant, sugary and syrup” “to your taste” or “to your, Solomon's son's, palate, mouth and gums used for tasting”. Solomon told his son to consume of the “honeycomb” as well, because it is sugary and pleasant to the mouth and tongue used for tasting.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon wanted his son to consume “honey and honeycomb” because the taste of them is pleasant and agreeable. So many benefits have been discovered by eating honey, and the person who partakes of honey is benefitted in may ways. The same is true for the Jehovah God as David the Psalmist wrote, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusts in him” (See Psalm 34:8). God wants us to receive Him into our lives through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to “taste”of Him to receive benefits that are more beneficial than the taste of “honey”.

Next time Solomon says, “so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto your soul”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

We Didn't Know - Proverbs 24:12

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse twelve of Proverbs Solomon shared about what happens, “if you say, Behold, we knew it not” where we read,

If you say, Behold, we knew it not;

does not he that ponders the heart consider it?

And he that keeps your soul, does he not know it?

And shall not he render to every man according to his works?

The verse begins, “If you say, Behold, we knew it not;” Solomon began with the words, “if you say” or “whether and in case you, those reading and listening to Solomon's words, utter, declare and proclaim”,“Behold” which means “lo, look and consider”, “we knew it not” or “we, the people reading and listening to Solomon's words, did not perceive, discern, discriminate or acknowledge that a person is drawn unto deal or ready to be slain”. Solomon presented the idea that the people listening to his words would declare how they were unaware of the person drawn unto death and ready to be slain.

The verse goes on to say, “does not he that ponders the heart consider it?” Solomon continued with the words, “does not he that ponders the heart” or “is it not true that the One who regulates, measures, make level, equal and proves the soul, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections” “consider it” which means “discern, perceive, mark and distinguish that Solomon's readers and listeners declared that they were unaware of those destined to die”? Solomon asked the people reading and listening to his words whether they knew that God who measures and proves the soul, mind and will knows that they declare their unawareness of those who are to be slain and killed.

The verse continues, “And he that keeps your soul, does he not know it?” Solomon added the words, “and he that keeps your soul” or “and the One, Jehovah God, who guards, watches over, observes and protects the heart, mind, will, desires, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections of the people reading and listening to Solomon's words, ”, “does he not know it” which means “is it not true that Jehovah God perceives, discriminates, distinguishes and discerns that the people reading and listening Solomon's words were unaware of those who were destined to be slain and killed”? Solomon questioned whether the people reading and listening to his words understood that Jehovah God who watches over and guards their heart, mind and will does not know that they declared they were unaware of people who were destined to be killed and slain.

Finally the verse says, “And shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Solomon concluded this verse by asking, “And shall not he render” or “and will Jehovah God in no way or manner return, turn back, restore and repair” “to every man” which means “toward each, the whole, all and everyone of the people both male and female” “according to his works” or “in keeping with his, Jehovah God's, acts and deeds”? Solomon asked whether his readers and listeners understood that Jehovah God reciprocates and returns to all people in keeping with their acts and deeds.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon that God is aware of our true heart, soul, mind and will, and even when we declare that we are unaware of people who are destined to be slain, He knows the truth. God's principle of reciprocity was being declared, and though these people said they were unaware of others who were destined to be slain. God knows us, and He is aware that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23) This is why He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and make us aware of others who are destined to eternal death and separation from Him and through His Holy Spirit to be His witnesses in this world. (See Acts 1:8)

Next time Solomon says, “my son, eat you honey, because it is good”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Drawn to Death - Proverbs 24:11

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse eleven of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “if you forbear to deliver them that are drawn to death” where we read,

If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death,

and those that are ready to be slain;

The verse begins, “If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, ...” Solomon began with the words, “if you forebear” or “whether and in case you, Solomon's readers and listeners, withhold, restrain, keep in check and refrain” “to deliver them” which means “to snatch away, rescue, save and snatch away from them, the people who are as follows” “that are drawn unto death” or “who are carried, taken, procured and fetched away toward dying, pestilence and ruin”. Solomon considered the idea of his readers and listeners refraining from rescuing people who are sentenced and led away to die.

The verse continues, “... and those that are ready to be slain;” Solomon added the words, “and those that are ready” or “and the people whether male or female who exist as staggering and stumbling” “to be slain” which means “toward killing and slaughter”. Solomon also wrote of “forbearing” people who are stumbling toward being slaughtered.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon about people who are prone to resist saving others who are carried away toward dying as well as those who are staggering toward their death. Paul the apostle wrote, “as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation”(See Hebrews 9:27-28). Because we all are destined to die, (ten out of ten people die), we need a “Savior”, and Jesus has paid the price and volunteered. He died on the cross for the sins of everyone, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His compassion through His Holy Spirit so we desire to intercede and intervene for others who are “drawn to death” and “ready to be slain”.

Next time Solomon shares about, “if you say, Behold, we knew it not”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

If You Faint in the Day of Adversity - Proverbs 24:10

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an abomination to men”, and in chapter twenty-four and verse ten of Proverbs Solomon shared the cause, “if you faint in the day of adversity” where we read,

If you faint in the day of adversity,

your strength is small.

The verse begins, “If you faint in the day of adversity, ...” Solomon began with the words, “if you faint” or “whether and in case you, the readers and listeners of Solomon's words, sink, relax, let drop or become disheartened” “in the day of adversity” which means “within the time or period pertaining to trouble, straits, distress, anguish and tribulation” the following exists. Solomon considered the idea of a person who becomes disheartened when the time of distress and tribulation arrives.

The verse goes on to say, “... your strength is small.” Solomon continued with the words, “your strength” or “your, the readers and listeners of Solomon's words, power, might and ability” “is small” which means “exists as narrow, tight, distressed and limited”. Solomon said the person has limited ability if they “faint” in the time of affliction and trouble.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon how the person who is discouraged and demoralized when trouble and tribulation comes possesses limited ability to cope. Jesus said, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (See John 16:33), and this is why His desire is to save us from our sins so we may have a personal relationship with Him. Jesus was sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with the ability to endure troubles and afflictions when they enter our lives.

Next time Solomon shares about, “if you forbear to deliver them that are drawn to death”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…