The Word for Today with Ray

Thursday, March 19, 2026

How Can One Be Warm Alone? - Ecclesiastes 4:11

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up”, and in chapter four and verse eleven of his book Solomon asked, “how can one be warm alone?”, where we read,

Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?

The verse reads, “Again, if two lie together, then they have heat:” Solomon began with the words, “again, if two lie together” or “yet another time, whether and in cast two people rest, lodge and relax with one another”, “then they have heat” which means “at that time they, the two people, become warm”. Solomon gave the example of two people resting and relaxing beside one another which provides warmth to both of them.

The verse goes on to say, “but how can one be warm alone?” Daniel continued with the words, “but how can one be warm” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover in what way is a person able to have heat and warmth” “alone” which means “single, solitary and by themselves”. Solomon questioned the manner in which a person who abides in a single manner gains warmth by themselves.

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he employed the example of two people lying beside one another providing warmth to one another, and he contrasted that idea with a question as to the way a person gains heat by themselves. We know blankets, especially heated blankets, can provide some sort of warmth today, but the idea continues to be how companionship is superior to isolation. God wants us to have fellowship with Him and other people, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and raised Him from the dead after three days, He provided the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and lead us into godly relationships that will be with us all the days of our lives.

Next time Solomon says, “a threefold cord is not quickly broken”, 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".

Falling and Being Lifted Up - Ecclesiastes 4:10

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor”, and in chapter four and verse ten of his book Solomon said, “for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow”, where we read,

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:

but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up.

The verse reads, “For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow:” Solomon began with the words, “for if they fall” or “because, since and on account that whether and in case they, the two people, are cast down, made prostrate and attacked”, “the one will lift up” which means “the one person of the two will stand up, establish and confirm” “his fellow” or “his, the one person’s, associate and united companion”. Solomon said in case one of the two people is cast down, the other person will stand up and establish his companion.

The verse continues, “but woe to him that is alone when he falls; for he has not another to help him up.” Daniel added the words, “but woe to him” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover misery, sorrow and distress come to the person” “that is alone” which means “who exists in solitary, single and by themself” “when he falls” or “at the time and moment he, the single person, is cast down, made prostrate and attacked”; “for he has not another” which means “because, since and on account that he, the single person, does not have an other person” “to help him up” or “to raise, stand up and establish him, the single person”. Solomon said great sorrow and misery accompany the solitary and single person at the time they fall because there is no one there to stand them up or reestablish them.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon the additional benefit to having two people rather than one in life. At the time one person is attacked or cast down, the other person will be there to raise them up and reestablish them. However, if a person is single and solitary, should they “fall”, no one will be there to give them aid. God built us in such a way that we need companionship, and our first relationship is to be with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender to Him, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth including good and reliable friendships and companionships who will “help” us in our time of need.

Next time Solomon asks, “how can one be warm alone?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Two are Better than One - Ecclesiastes 4:9

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither says he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail”, and in chapter four and verse nine of his book Solomon said, “two are better than one”, where we read,

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.

The verse reads, “Two are better than one;” Solomon began with the word, “two” or “two people” “are better than one” which means “exist as superior in goodness, pleasantness, agreeableness and excellence compared to one person by themselves”. Solomon shared how “two people” exist in a state that is superior to a person who is all alone.

The verse goes on to say, “because they have a good reward for their labor.” Daniel continued with the words, “because they have a good reward” or “since and on account that they, the two people, possess and own a pleasant, agreeable and excellent hire, wages and pay” “for their labor” which means “on behalf of their, the two people’s, toil, trouble and wearisome travail”. Solomon said the reason “two are better than one” is on account that they possess an excellent hire and wage on behalf of their toil and wearisome travail.

When we think through Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he concluded that “two people” working together are superior to a single person who toils alone. When two people work together, they receive a pleasant and excellent reward for their efforts, and God blesses their work together. God knows what is best for all of us, and He blesses us regardless of our state when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who was a single person and died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. God will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us as we submit to Him, and He will reward us in keeping with His Divine purpose and plan for us in His Kingdom.

Next time Solomon says, “for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

One Alone - Ecclesiastes 4:8

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun”, and in chapter four and verse eight of his book Solomon said, “there is one alone, and there is not a second”, where we read,

There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither says he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail.

The verse reads, “There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother:” Solomon began with the words, “there is one alone” or “there exists a particular person who is solitary, single and by himself”, “and there is not a second” which means “and there exists in no way or manner another individual or person”; “yes, he has neither child” or “even so and also, he, the person who is alone, does not possess an offspring or progeny” “nor brother” which means “no and not in any way a male sibling”. Solomon referred the person who is single and by themselves without another person accompanying them and who does not have an offspring or male sibling.

The verse continues, “yet is there no end of all his labor; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither says he, For whom do I labor, and bereave my soul of good?” Daniel added the words, “yet is there no end” or “still and even so there exists not any finality, extremity or conclusion” “of all his labor” which means “pertaining to each, every and the whole of his, the single person’s, toil, trouble and wearisome travail”; “neither is his eye satisfied” or “no and not in any way is his, the single person’s, physical eye used for vision and sight sated, fulfilled and surfeited” “with riches” which means “by the means of wealth”. “Neither says he” or “not in any way or manner does he, the single person who toils and works”, “For whom do I labor” which means “on behalf of what person do I, the single person, suffer, toil and work”, “and bereaved my soul” or “and decrease, have need and lack in my, the single person’s, heart and mind” “of good” which means “pertaining to that which is pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable”? Solomon shared how there exists no conclusion to every portion of the single person’s toil and wearisome travail, and his physical eye is never sated or fulfilled by the use of wealth. He also shared how the single person never questioned for whom he is working and causing need and lack in his own heart and mind.

Finally the verse says, “This is also vanity, yes, it is a sore travail.” Solomon concluded this verse with the words, “this is also vanity” or “this, the pursuit of wealth by the single person, exists even so and indeed as vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction”, “yes, it is a sore travail” which means “even so, indeed and still it, the pursuit of wealth by the single person, exists as a bad, malignant and displeasing task, job and business”. Solomon ended this verse by stating that the pursuit of wealth by the single person with all the displeasing tasks and emptiness exists as vapor and grasping for the wind.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he thought about the person who is “alone” or single in the world. He thought their pursuits are often driven to wealth and satisfaction in ways that ultimately become unfulfilling. They do not have “children”, their own families are sometimes separated from them, and there is no one to whom they are toiling that shall inherit the benefit of their efforts. God knows the plight of everyone, and when He created man He Himself said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (See Genesis 2:18) God desires to have a personal intimate relationship with all of us through His Son Jesus who was a single man and was crucified on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth regardless of whether we are single or not in the world.

Next time Solomon says, “two are better than one”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Seeing Vanity Again - Ecclesiastes 4:7

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit”, and in chapter four and verse seven of his book Solomon said, “I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun”, where we read,

Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.

The verse reads, “Then I returned, …” Solomon began with the word, “then” or “at that time” “I returned” which means “I, Solomon, went and turned back”. Solomon shared how he turned back and observed the following.

The verse continues, “… and I saw vanity under the sun.” Daniel added the words, “and I saw vanity” or “and I, Solomon, perceived, noticed, discerned and observed vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction” “under the sun” which means “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon said he went back and observed vapor and transitory dissatisfaction beneath the sun in the sky.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon went back to his idea of observing things that were happening, and once again he noticed only vapor and transitory dissatisfaction among people. This tainted view does not consider that God is an eternal God who desires an everlasting personal relationship with all of us. He knows we have sin in our lives that leads to death, and when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us eternal life and employ us in His kingdom in ways that will not be “grasping for the wind”, but will obtain rewards that shall last forever and ever.

Next time Solomon says, “there is one alone, and there is not a second”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

A Handful with Quietness - Ecclesiastes 4:6

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh”, and in chapter four and verse six of his book Solomon said, “better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail”, where we read,

Better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.

The verse reads, “Better is an handful with quietness, …” Solomon began with the words, “better is an handful” or “more pleasant, agreeable, excelling and valuable exists a palm, hollow or flat of the physical hand” “with quietness” which means “accompanied by favor and rest” compared to the following. Solomon said a small amount that may be held in the hollow of the hand accompanied by favor and peace is more pleasant and valuable than the following.

The verse goes on to say, “… than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit.” Daniel continued with the words, “than both the hands” or “compared to both of the physical hands being” “full with travail” which means “handfuls accompanied by toil, trouble and wearisome labor” “and vexation” or “and longing, striving and grasping” “of spirit” which means “pertaining to the wind or breath of air”. Solomon said a palm filled with a small amount of peace is more excellent than having both physical hands “filled” with toil, trouble and grasping for the wind.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how valuable peace and tranquility are in a person’s life. A person may possess an abundance of earthly things, but if it is accompanied by trouble and vexation, it’s not worth it. God wants us to have peace with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the tranquility of His Holy Spirit as He guides us in whatever we possess in this life.

Next time Solomon says, “I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Fool Folds His Hands Together - Ecclesiastes 4:5

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit”, and in chapter four and verse five of his book Solomon said, “the fool folds his hands together”, where we read,

The fool folds his hands together, and eats his own flesh.

The verse reads, “The fool folds his hands together, …” Solomon began with the words, “the fool” or “the stupid fellow, dullard, simpleton and arrogant one” “folds his hands together” which means “embraces and clasps his, the fool’s, physical hands in idleness”. Solomon referred to the way a simpleton and dullard clasps his physical hands in laziness and slothfulness.

The verse continues, “… and eats his own flesh.” Daniel added the words, “and eats” or “and consumes and devours” “his own flesh” which means “his, the fool’s, own personal flesh of the body”. Solomon shared how the “simpleton” devours and ruins their own life.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon about the person who is a simpleton and dullard. Rather than working, they are lazy and idle. This causes them to consume their own lives. God doesn’t want us to be this way, and because He desires to have a personal intimate relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into a work of service in His Kingdom which will not in any way lend to idleness.

Next time Solomon says, “better is an handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…