The Word for Today with Ray

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Vanity of Vanities - Ecclesiastes 1:2

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon began with the words, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem”, and in chapter one and verse two of his book Solomon said, “vanity of vanities; all is vanity ”, where we read,

Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

The verse reads, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, …” Solomon began with the words, “vanity of vanities” or “vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness belonging to vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness”, “says the preacher” which means “utters, declares and proclaims the minister, public speaker and collector of sentences”. Solomon the public speaker made a declaration concerning emptiness belonging to emptiness.

The verse continues, “… vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Solomon added the words, “vanity of vanities” or “vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness belonging to vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness”; “all is vanity” which means “each, every, the whole and everything exists as vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness”. Solomon declared everything to be as vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon began to relay the idea that everything in the world has a sense of emptiness to it. He will proliferate on this idea with examples and specifics as we study his words, but for now let us consider that God knows what is eternally best for us. He is aware that we will be eternally separated from Him because we have sin in our lives, and for this reason 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. When we surrender to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into the truth that leads to everlasting age-abiding life both on earth and with Him forever in Heaven.

Next time Solomon asks, “What profit has a man of all his labor”, 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".

The Words of the Preacher - Ecclesiastes 1:1

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we begin to learn from a man whom God said in the Bible, “I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like unto you” (See 1 Kings 3:12), and in chapter one and verse one of his book Solomon shared about, “the words of the Preacher”, where we read,

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

The verse reads, “The words of the Preacher, …” Solomon began with the words, “the words” or “the utterances, declarations and proclamations” “of the preacher” which means “belonging to the minister, public speaker and collector of sentences”. Solomon began this verse by stating that the following exist as the utterances belonging to himself as a public speaker.

The verse goes on to say, “… the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Solomon continued with the words, “the son” or “the male offspring and progeny” “of David” which means “belonging to David whose name means beloved and was the youngest son of Jesse and the second king of Israel”, “king in Jerusalem” or “royal ruler and leader within Jerusalem whose name means teaching of peace and is the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”. Solomon shared his pedigree and position which included being the direct male descendant of David and the royal ruler and leader of “Jerusalem”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon not only that he considered himself to be a public speaker, but also that the declarations he would give came from His lineage of royal authority and pedigree. God elevated Solomon to this position, and because His Holy Spirit inspired the words in the Bible, Solomon was used to proclaim His message to the world. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17) God wants us to consider Solomon’s “words” because He desires 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 yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to help us know and obey every “word” He desires to give to us.

Next time Solomon says, “vanity of vanities; all is vanity”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Introduction to Ecclesiastes - Ecclesiastes 1:1

Among all the people in the Bible, King Solomon of Israel was considered to be the wisest. He received his wisdom after inheriting his father David’s kingdom and was asked by God what he desired. The writer of Second Chronicles said, “In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give you. And Solomon said unto God, you have showed great mercy unto David my father, and have made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let your promise unto David my father be established: for you have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this your people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of your enemies, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before you, neither shall there any after you have the like.” (See 2 Chronicles 1:7-12)

The writer of First Kings shared how Jehovah God said to Solomon, “Behold, I have done according to your words: lo, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like unto you.” (See 1 Kings 3:12) There is no doubt that God gave Solomon his wisdom, and Solomon was the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes.

The theme of the book of Ecclesiastes is found in the second and fourteenth verse of the first chapter and in chapter twelve verse eight where we read, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” (See Ecclesiastes 1:2), and the idea is repeated in Ecclesiastes chapter twelve, “Vanity of vanities, says the preacher; all is vanity.” (See Ecclesiastes 12:8) Solomon said, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (See Ecclesiastes 1:14)

The word “vanity” is defined as “breath, vapor or that which is altogether vain”. It’s like “soap bubbles” that only remain for a small amount of time. As great as Solomon and his wisdom was, he turned away from the ways of God as was recorded by the writer of First Kings, “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father.” (1 Kings 11:4-6)

He also wrote, “And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely rend the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.” (See 1 Kings 11:9-11)

Solomon tried and experienced everything “under the sun”, and none of them satisfied Him. As we read this book, we will see him use the phrase “under the sun” over and over again. In other words, he refers to everything which is available beneath the sun in the sky. Perhaps we have attempted “everything under the sun” and remain unfulfilled. God designed us this way because only a personal relationship 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 will truly satisfy us. When we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to His truthful ways.

We should pay particular attention to the final words of the book of Ecclesiastes where Solomon’s conclusion concerning these “vanities” is written: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

As we study this wonderful book, let us pray and ask God to open our eyes, ears, hearts and minds to discover what He has to say about the “vanities” of this world and the value of having His eternal perspective.

Next time we begin the book of Ecclesiastes and see Solomon share about, “the words of the Preacher”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Go Your Way to the End - Daniel 12:13

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how one said to him, “Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days”, and in chapter twelve and verse thirteen of his book Daniel shared how the one said, “go your way till the end ”, where we read,

But go you your way till the end be:

for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.

The verse reads, “But go you your way till the end be:” Daniel began with the words, “but go you your way” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover leave and depart upon your, Daniel’s, path and traveled road” “till the end be” which means “until the completion and finite process exists”. Daniel said the one instructed him to depart until the time of completion has come.

The verse continues, “ for you shall rest, and stand in your lot at the end of the days.” Daniel added the words, “for you shall rest” or “because, since and on account that you, Daniel, will settle down, remain, have repose and be quiet”, “and stand in your lot” which means “and remain, endure and continue within your, Daniel’s, portion, recompense and retribution” “at the end of the days” or “at the border, extremity and finite process belonging to the sunrises to sunsets”. Daniel shared how the one told him that he would settle down, be quiet and have repose as he continued within his portion.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how he was instructed to depart until the time of the end would come, and he was to settle down and be quiet till such time that he rises to receive his inheritance which was set aside for him. God had a plan for the salvation of mankind from the penalty of death for sins, and He had a plan for Daniel as well. God wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus whom He sent to the earth to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. He raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth and to empower us to live according to that truth so we live in a manner like Daniel that is pleasing to Him until such time that we receive our reward. (See James 1:12; Revelation 2:10)

Next time we begin a new book, the book of Ecclesiastes, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty-Five Days - Daniel 12:12

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how one said to him, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days”, and in chapter twelve and verse twelve of his book Daniel shared about the person who, “comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days”, where we read,

Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.

The verse reads, “Blessed is he that waits, …” Daniel began with the word, “blessed” or “O how happy” “is he that waits” which means “exists he, the person, who tarries long”. Daniel shared how the one told him that the person who tarries long will be O how happy.

The verse goes on to say, “… and comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.” Daniel continued with the words, “and comes” or “and reaches out, extends and arrives” “to the thousand three hundred” which means “to the thirteen hundred” “and five and thirty days” or “and thirty five sunrises to sunsets”. Daniel shared how the one told him the person who tarries long and arrives at the thirteen hundred and thirty fifth “day” is “blessed”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel that there was an extra forty-five days allotted to this particular group of people and an additional seventy-five days over the normal twelve hundred and sixty days presented to him. Jesus said, “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:” (See Matthew 25:31), and perhaps it will be a forty-five day period to gather them together. Regardless of what this extra time means, as we are not specifically told, we know it remains part of God’s plan of redemption for mankind. When we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us so we may learn to trust Him more and more with the allotment of “days” He has given to us and the world.

Next time Daniel shares how the one tells him, “go your way till the end ”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Thousand Two Hundred and Ninety Days - Daniel 12:11

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how one said to him, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand”, and in chapter twelve and verse eleven of his book Daniel shared about, “a thousand two hundred and ninety days”, where we read,

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away,

and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.

The verse reads, “And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, …” Daniel began with the words, “and from the time” or “and from the occurrence, occasion and time period” “that the daily sacrifice” which means “that the day by day offering” “shall be taken away” or “will be set aside, put to an end and removed”. Daniel shared how he was told that the occasion that the day by day offering is removed, the following would happen.

The verse continues “… and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.” Daniel added the words, “and the abomination” or “and the detestable thing or idol” “that makes desolate” which means “which appalls, stuns, stupefies and causes horror” “set up” or “put, placed, appointed, assigned and designated” “there shall be a thousand” which means “there will exist one thousand” “two hundred and ninety days” or “two hundred and ninety days”. Daniel said one thousand two hundred and ninety days will pass from the time the “abomination of desolation” is put in place.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel about a specific number of days that are to pass after the “abomination that makes desolate” is put in place. From the time the antichrist puts an idol to worship within the temple of Jehovah God, there will be twelve hundred and ninety days to pass. (See Revelation 11:2; 12:6; 13:5) God knows every day, minute and hour pertaining to mankind, and He knows our time as well. His desire is to have a personal 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 yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to help us know He has all times, even the very days, in His control.

Next time Daniel shares about the one who, “comes to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Many Shall Be Purified - Daniel 12:10

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how, “one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and swore by him that lives for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end”, and in chapter twelve and verse ten of his book Daniel shared how the one said, “many shall be purified, and made white, and tried”, where we read,

Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly:

and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

The verse reads, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly:” Daniel began with the word, “many” or “a great and numerous amount of people” “shall be purified” which means “will exist as polished, purged, cleansed, proved and made bright”, “and made white” or “and caused to be made clean”, “and tried” which means “and refined, tested and smelted”; “but the wicked” or “however, notwithstanding, nonetheless and moreover the criminal, guilty, wrong, ungodly and evil” “shall do wickedly” which means “will perform, produce and accomplish that which is evil”. Daniel shared how some people will be cleansed, whitened and tested, however, others who are evil and ungodly will perform evil.

The verse goes on to say, “and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” Daniel continued with the words, “and none of the wicked” or “and not one belonging to the criminal, guilty, wrong, ungodly and evil” “shall understand” which means “will discern, perceive, give heed to and distinguish”; “but the wise” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the prudent, circumspect, prosperous and those with insight” “shall understand” which means “will discern, perceive, give heed to and distinguish”. Daniel said not one of the evil people will perceive and have discernment, however the people who possess wisdom and prudence will perceive.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how there is a distinct difference between the people who are “purified, made white and tried” and those who are “evil”. Those who are purified through a personal relationship with God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days will perceive what is happening in the world, and those who commit wickedness will not. God is in control, and when we yield our lives to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us the wisdom of His Holy Spirit to perceive His workings in the world with the idea of redeeming people from their errors and wrongs and purifying the world from sin.

Next time Daniel shares about, “a thousand two hundred and ninety days”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…