The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, March 9, 2026

The Wise Man Versus the Fool - Ecclesiastes 2:14

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done. Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of his book Solomon said, “the wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness”, where we read,

The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness:

and I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all.

The verse reads, “The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness:” Solomon began with the words, “the wise man’s eyes” or “the person whose physical eyes used for vision and sight” “are in his head” which means “exists within his, the person’s, top, summit and upper part”: “but the fool” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the dullard, simpleton, arrogant one and stupid fellow” “walks in darkness” which means “ambles about within misery, destruction, ignorance and wickedness”. Solomon contrasted the person who is observant toward his path versus the person who ambles about in misery and ignorance.

The verse continues, “and I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all.” Daniel added the words, “and I myself perceived also” or “and I, Solomon, my own self, learned, found out and discerned even so and indeed” “that one event” which means “that a particular meeting, happening, chance and fortune” “happens to them all” or “to each, every, the whole and every one of them, the people whether wise or foolish”. Solomon shared how he discerned that a particular fortune occurs with people whether they are “wise or foolish”.

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he compared the value of being filled with skill and prudence with being foolish. Being “wise” is superior to being “foolhardy”, however, people with either trait will experience the same occurrence - death. One person out of one person die, and this is because death is the wage for sin. (See Romans 6:23) We “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), and for this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. He was raised from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and prepare us in advance for death on earth that happens to everyone but has no power in the eternal lives of those who have received Jesus.

Next time Solomon says, “As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me”, 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".

Wisdom Excels Folly Like Light Excels Darkness - Ecclesiastes 2:13

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done”, and in chapter two and verse thirteen of his book Solomon said, “wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, where we read,

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.

The verse reads, “Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, …” Solomon began with the words, “then I saw” or “at that time I, Solomon, looked at, inspected, perceived and considered” “that wisdom” which means “that skill, prudence and understanding” “excels folly” or “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than silliness and foolhardiness”. Solomon discovered that prudence and understanding is more excellent than foolishness.

The verse goes on to say, “ … as far as light excels darkness.” Daniel continued with the words, “as far as light” or “similar and in likeness to the manner illumination” “excels darkness” which means “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than obscurity, misery, ignorance and sorrow”. Solomon shared how he discovered that “wisdom excels folly” similar to the way “illumination” is more excellent than obscurity, ignorance and sorrow.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon found some conclusions as he pursued various things in the world. He discovered that “skill, prudence and understanding” were superior to foolhardiness and silliness, and the gap between them was similar to the difference between illumination and obscurity. God wants us to have His “wisdom” (See James 1:5), and the wisest choice we can make is to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. When we accept His offer for salvation, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with the “wisdom” of His Holy Spirit that excels all other venues that are available in the world.

Next time Solomon says, “the wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Turning to Behold Wisdom Madness and Folly - Ecclesiastes 2:12

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun”, and in chapter two and verse twelve of his book Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly”, where we read,

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done.

The verse reads, “And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly:” Solomon began with the words, “and I turned myself” or “and I, Solomon, prepared, regarded and caused my own self” “to behold wisdom” which means “to look at, consider and observe skill, prudence and understanding”, “and madness” or “and foolhardiness or silliness”, “and folly” which means “and silliness and foolishness”. Solomon once again caused himself to consider skill, prudence and understanding as well as foolhardiness and silliness.

The verse continues, “ for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done.” Daniel added the words, “for what can the man do” or “because, since and on account whatsoever is the male human being able to produce and performed” “that comes after the king” which means “who proceeds, arrives and follows the royal ruler and leader”? “Even that which has already been done” or “indeed and also the act or deed that has previously been performed”. Solomon questioned whatsoever the male human being is able to perform following the royal ruler, and his conclusion was he would only perform what has already been produced.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how Solomon once again moved himself toward skill, prudence and understanding as well as silliness and foolishness. He considered what the person who follows after the royal ruler will not do anything that has not previously be performed. The idea is monotony and redundancy is all that is available, however, this is only for the works performed “under the sun”. We have an opportunity to receive God’s Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, and when we do, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth so our works have eternal benefits that shall never perish or go away.

Next time Solomon says, “wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

No Profit Under the Sun - Ecclesiastes 2:11

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “And whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor”, and in chapter two and verse eleven of his book Solomon said, “there was no profit under the sun”, where we read,

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

The verse reads, “Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do:” Solomon began with the words, “then I looked” or “at that time I, Solomon, turned his eyes upon, observed and put notice” “on all the works” which means “upon each, every, the whole and everyone of the labors, toils, deeds, businesses and undertakings” “that my hands had wrought” or “that my, Solomon’s, physical hands fashioned, accomplished, made, produced and worked”, “and on the labor” which means “and upon the toil, trouble, mischief and wearisome travail” “that I had labored to do” or “that I, Solomon, severely and with irksomeness performed and produced”. Solomon shared how he observed every one of the labors and toils that his physical hands toiled and worked to fashion and accomplish.

The verse goes on to say, “and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.” Daniel continued with the words, “and, behold” or “and, lo, look and consider”, “all was vanity” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of the labors and works were vapor, breath and transitory emptiness” “and vexation” or “and longing, striving and grasping” “of spirit” which means “pertaining to breath or the wind”, “and there was no profit” or “and there existed not any advantage, excellence or gain” “under the sun” which means “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon concluded that all of his “labors” were empty and as grasping the wind, and there did not exist any advantage or gain beneath the sun in the sky.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he observed all the workings of his physical “hands” as well as the toil he performed, and yet, these were also considered to be vain and grasping at the air - soap bubbles. He decided there was no advantage or gain that could be obtained “beneath the sun”, however, he was not considering the greatest gift that has been given which is a relationship with Jehovah God. God sent His Son Jesus 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 of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will help us perform acts and deeds for the Kingdom of God which shall not only be valuable, but will also remain for all eternity.

Next time Solomon says, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Whatsoever My Eyes Desired - Ecclesiastes 2:10

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me”, and in chapter two and verse ten of his book Solomon said, “whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them”, where we read,

And whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy;

for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.

The verse reads, “And whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy;” Solomon began with the words, “and whatsoever my eyes desired” or “and anything my, Solomon’s, physical eyes used for vision and sight inquired of, consulted, sought and begged for” “I kept not from them” which means “I, Solomon, did not reserve, set apart or refuse separate and apart from them, Solomon’s eyes”, “I withheld not” or “I, Solomon, did not hold back, refrain or deny” “my heart” which means “my, Solomon’s, soul and mind” “from any joy” or “separate and apart from every mirth, gladness, gaiety and pleasure”. Solomon shared how he did not deny his physical eyes from anything they wanted, and he did not hold back any gladness and pleasure from his soul and mind.

The verse continues, “for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor.” Daniel added the words, “for my heart rejoiced” or “because, since and on account that my, Solomon’s, soul and mind showed joy, merriment and gladness” “in all my labor” which means “within each, every, the whole and everyone of my, Solomon’s, toil, trouble and grievance”: “and this was my portion” or “and this, Solomon’s heart showing merriment, existed as my, Solomon’s, lot, part and share” “of all my labor” which means “pertaining to each, every, the whole and everyone of my, Solomon’s, toil, trouble and grievance”. Solomon said his soul and mind was filled with joy and merriment over every portion of his toil, and that became his lot for the total of work he performed.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he did not refrain himself from anything he saw, and when something would make his soul and mind glad, he did not keep it from himself. He also found that he became filled with joy and gladness over his work, and that became his share within his toil. Solomon once again was attempting to find fulfillment and satisfaction, and this time he did not restrain his “eyes” from anything they saw, nor did he hold back his soul and mind from anything that made him happy. He found joy in his work, however, that was his reward for his efforts. This also turned into vanity. God knows there is no true satisfaction unless a person yields themselves to 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, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to guide us into all truth so we find satisfaction in a relationship with Him rather than what our eyes see, our souls and minds desire or in the labor that the world has to offer.

Next time Solomon says, “there was no profit under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Greater than All Before Me - Ecclesiastes 2:9

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts”, and in chapter two and verse nine of his book Solomon said, “I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem”, where we read,

So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem:

also my wisdom remained with me.

The verse reads, “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem:” Solomon began with the words, “so I was great” or “wherefore, therefore, then and on this account I, Solomon, existed as important, promoted, powerful and magnified”, “and increased more” which means “and grew to an even greater decree” “than all that were before me” or “compared to each, every, the whole one everyone who existed prior and in advanced to me, Solomon” “in Jerusalem” which means “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 concluded that he was promoted, powerful and important, and he grew to an even greater degree than anyone else who existed prior to him within the city of Jerusalem.

The verse goes on to say, “also my wisdom remained with me.” Daniel continued with the words, “also my wisdom” or “even so and indeed my, Solomon’s, skill, prudence and understanding” “remained with me” which means “stayed, tarried, abided, persisted and continued alongside of me, Solomon”. Solomon shared how his skill, prudence and understanding continued alongside of him even when he became “great” and “increased more” than any other.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon concluded that he was powerful and important, and he grew to an even greater measure beyond anyone who preceded him in the city of Jerusalem. This was because he accumulated so much, and sometimes wealth causes people to become important and believe themselves to be better and greater than others. God is no respecter of persons, (See Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34) and everyone, regardless of what they do or do not possess, is invited to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as their “Savior and Lord”. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit to show us our value is in our relationship with Him and not within the temporary possessions available in the world.

Next time Solomon says, “whatsoever my eyes desired I kept not from them”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Gathering Silver, Gold, Singers and Instruments - Ecclesiastes 2:8

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me”, and in chapter two and verse eight of his book Solomon said, “I gathered me also silver and gold … and singers … and instruments” where we read,

I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces:

I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

The verse reads, “I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces:” Solomon began with the words, “I gathered me also” or “I, Solomon, collected and assembled me, Solomon, even so and indeed” “silver and gold” which means “silver and gold metal”, “and the peculiar treasure” or “and valuable property” “of kings” which means “belonging to royal rulers and leaders” “and of the provinces” or “and belonging to the districts and regions”. Solomon shared how he assembled silver and gold metal as well as valuable property belonging to royal rulers and districts.

The verse continues, “I got me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.” Daniel added the words, “I got me men singers” or “I, Solomon, fashioned, accomplished, established and produced me, Solomon, males who used their voices to make music”, “and women singers” which means “and females who used their voices to make music”, “and the delights of the sons of men” or “and the dainties, luxuries, delights and comforts pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to human beings”, “as musical instruments” which means “for all sorts of implements and devices to make music”, “and that of all sorts” or “and the pertaining to each and every type”. Solomon said he obtained both “men and women” who used their voices to make music, and they also used many different luxurious comforts belonging to people as utensils to make music.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he assembled a band or orchestra as well as a choir of men and women to make music. He used all types of luxurious items to make music, and we can only imagine the sound they made together. God gives people musical abilities, and when they use them to glorify Him and to bless others, they employ their voices and instruments in ways that are pleasing to Him. God wants us to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to use our gifts and “instruments” to worship Him all the days of our lives.

Next time Solomon says, “I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…