The Word for Today with Ray

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…

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 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…

Considering Travail and Right Works - Ecclesiastes 4:4

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun”, and in chapter four and verse four of his book Solomon said, “I considered all travail, and every right work”, where we read,

Again, 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.

The verse reads, “Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor.” Solomon began with the words, “again, I considered all travail” or “another time, I, Solomon, looked at, inspected and observed each, every and the whole toil, trouble and labor”, “and every right work” which means “and each, all and the whole successful, profitable and skilled deed, act and thing done”, “that for this” or “that on behalf of this, the right work” “a man is envied” which means “a person whether male or female exists as filled with desire and jealousy” “of his neighbor” or “by his, the man who does right work’s, friend, companion or fellow-citizen”. Solomon shared how he observed every toil and profitable labor which causes a person to be motivated by jealousy over their fellow-citizen.

The verse goes on to say, “This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.” Daniel continued with the words, “this is also vanity” or “this, envy and jealousy over a successful fellow-citizen, exists even so and indeed as vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction” “and vexation” which means “and longing, striving and grasping” “of spirit” or “pertaining to the wind or breath of air”. Solomon concluded that being motivated by “envy and jealousy” over a “neighbor’s, success exists as transitory dissatisfaction and grasping for the wind.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon observed the toil and trouble people experience in labor and the profitable deeds they perform, and he noted how jealousy motivates their fellow-citizens to work as well. He concluded this was not satisfying and grasping for the wind or soap bubbles. God wants to give us a responsibility in His Kingdom that will not only be fulfilling in this life, but also in Heaven to come. We obtain this work when we yield to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. As we put our faith and trust in 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 all truth and equip us for the “work” God has for us in His Kingdom which is pleasing to Him.

Next time Solomon says, “the fool folds his hands together”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Better than They - Ecclesiastes 4:3

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive”, and in chapter four and verse three of his book Solomon said, “better is he than both they, which has not yet been”, where we read,

Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been,

who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

The verse reads, “Yes, better is he than both they, which has not yet been, …” Solomon began with the words, “yes, better is he” or “even so and indeed, more pleasant, agreeable and excellent exist the following person” “than both they” which means “compared to the people”, “which has not been” or “who have not existed”. Solomon concluded that the person who has never existed is more pleasant and excellent than the following

The verse continues, “… who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.” Daniel added the words, “who has not seen the evil work” or “the person that has in no way inspected, perceived, considered and observed the bad, disagreeableness and malignancy and wicked deeds, acts and labors” “that is done” which means “what is fashioned, accomplished, made and produced” “under the sun” or “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon referred to the unborn person who has not observed the malignant and wicked deeds that are produced beneath the sun in the sky.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon considered people who have not been born yet to be more fortunate than those who are alive because the unborn have not observed the wicked and malignant deeds which are produced beneath the “sun”. This earthly temporal perspective is one that is shared by many people in the world, and God knows it. His desire is to give people true life though a relationship with Him. (See John 10:10) Access to this relationship is provided by God 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 believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live in a manner that exceeds all others before His eyes.

Next time Solomon says, “I considered all travail, and every right work”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Praising the Dead More than the Living - Ecclesiastes 4:2

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: And behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of the oppressors there was power: but they had no comforter”, and in chapter four and verse two of his book Solomon said, “I praise the dead … more than the living”, where we read,

Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead

More than the living which are yet alive.

The verse reads, “Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead …” Solomon began with the words, “wherefore I praised the dead” or “therefore, then and on this account I, Solomon, lauded, commended and congratulated the ones put to death, killed and executed” “which are already dead” which means “who hitherto, long ago and formerly were executed, killed and put to death”. Solomon said he gave glory to people who previously were put to death and executed.

The verse goes on to say, “… more than the living which are yet alive.” Daniel added the words, “more than the living” or “to a greater and more abundant degree compared to people who are alive and active” “which are yet alive” which means “but still are in no way living and active”. Solomon gave laud to people who have already died more than people who were still alive but acting as though they were dead.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon commended people who previously died more than people who were alive but were living as though they were dead. In other words, he thought people who were not “living” were better off than people who were alive but were living in a “dead” manner. God wants to bring us true life through His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven for our sins, granted everlasting-age abiding life and given His Holy Spirit who will help us to live in a manner that excels all others because it is pleasing to Him. (See John 10:10)

Next time Solomon says, “better is he than both they, which has not yet been”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Monday, March 16, 2026

Considering Oppressions - Ecclesiastes 4:1

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works: for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”, and in chapter four and verse one of his book Solomon said, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun”, where we read,

So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:

And behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of the oppressors there was power: but they had no comforter.

The verse reads, “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun:” Solomon began with the words, “so I returned” or “therefore, wherefore and on this account I, Solomon, went and turned back”, “and considered” which means “and looked at, inspected, perceived and regarded” “all the oppressions” or “each, every and the whole of the extortions, maltreatments, persecutions and abuses” “that are done under the sun” which means “that are fashioned, accomplished, made and produced beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon shared how he went back and regarded everyone of the persecutions and abuses that are fashioned, accomplished and produced beneath the sun in the sky.

The verse goes on to say, “And behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter.” Daniel continued with the words, “and behold” or “and lo, look and consider” “the tears of such as were oppressed” which means “the weeping pertaining to people who existed as extorted, maltreated, abused and downtrodden”, “and they had no comforter” or “and they, those who were oppressed, did not have anyone to console, have compassion upon and be moved with pity toward them”. Solomon called upon those reading his words to consider the weeping of the people who are maltreated and downtrodden because they were without anyone to console or have compassion upon them.

Finally the verse says, “and on the side of the oppressors there was power: but they had no comforter.” Solomon concluded this verse with the words, “and on the side of the oppressors” which means “and accompanying the people who extorted, maltreated, abused, persecuted and tread down others” “there was power” or “there existed great strength, might and vigor”: “but they had no comforter” which means “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover they, the victims, did not have anyone to console, have compassion upon or pity them”. Solomon ended this verse by referring to how the “oppressors” possessed great might and strength, however, their victims had no one to be compassionate to them, have pity upon them or to console them.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon returned to consider the extortions and maltreatments done unto people beneath the sun, and he noticed how the people who were maligned had no one to be compassionate or to have pity upon them. Those who abused them were mighty and powerful, but their victims had no comforter. God knows there are spiritual entities and powers who determine to keep us from a personal relationship with Him, and because He is greater than all of them, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. 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 who will comfort, pity, counsel and abide with us regardless of the physical or spiritual entities who rise against us.

Next time Solomon says, “I praise the dead … more than the living”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Nothing Better than Rejoicing in Works - Ecclesiastes 3:22

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon asked, “Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward, And the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?”, and in chapter three and verse twenty-two of his book Solomon said, “there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works”, where we read,

Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works: for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

The verse reads, “Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works:” Solomon began with the words, “wherefore I perceive” or “therefore, then and for this reason I, Solomon, consider, inspect and behold” “that there is nothing better” which means “that there exists not anything more agreeable, pleasant, precious and excellent”, “than that a man should rejoice” or “than that a person ought to be glad, exult and make merry” “in his own works” which means “within his, the person’s, own personal acts, deeds, undertakings and pursuits”. Solomon understood that not one things exists that exceeds a person being gladdened and made merry by their own acts and deeds.

The verse goes on to say, “for that his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?” Daniel continued with the words, “for that his portion” or “because, since and on account that, rejoicing in his own works, exists as his, the person’s, share, part and territory”: “for who shall bring him to see” which means “because, since and on account that what person will cause him, the person to behold, inspect and consider” “what shall be after him” or “that which will exist following him, the person”? Solomon said “rejoicing in his own works” exists as a person’s share, and he asked what person would cause them to behold that which will follow them.

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he concluded that not one thing exceeds a person being made glad and merry by their own acts and deeds, and he declared that to be their share as he questioned what person would be able to behold that which shall follow them. We must remember that Solomon was considering life on the earth only, and his view is limited to only what he beholds in this life. God knows everything that has happened, is happening and will happen in the temporary and eternal lives of people. God wants us to live with Him forever, and because sin has separated us from a personal relationship with Him, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit to guide us into His truth and empower us to live in keeping with His truth for all eternity.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…