The Word for Today with Ray

Friday, March 27, 2026

Sorrow is Better than Laughter - Ecclesiastes 7:3

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart” and in chapter seven and verse three of his book Solomon said, “sorrow is better than laughter” where we read,

Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

The verse reads, “Sorrow is better than laughter:” Solomon began with the words, “sorrow is better” or “anger, vexation, provocation and grief exists as superior and more pleasant, agreeable and excellent” “than laughter” which means “compared to mocking, derision and joyful merriment or defiance”. Solomon declared vexation and grief to be superior to joyful derision and merriment.

The verse goes on to say, “for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Daniel continued with the words, “for by sadness” or “because, since and on account that through the means of badness, evil, naughtiness and wickedness” “of the countenance of the heart” which means “pertaining to the face, surface, front and presence belonging to the soul, mind and will” “is made better” or “exists as more pleasing, glad, well and thoroughly beautiful”. Solomon said through the means of the refining process of badness, wickedness a disheartened presence a person’s soul, mind and will become glad.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how “sorrow” refines our souls, whereas cheerfulness and merriment sometimes doesn’t. God knows what is best for us, and because He works in the eternal, sometimes we are made “sad” which makes us better for eternity. God loves us, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to suffer in sorrow as He 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, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth even when “sorrow” of heart helps us to be conformed into His image. (See Psalm 17:15)

Next time Solomon says, “the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning”, 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".

Going to the House of Mourning - Ecclesiastes 7:2

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “a good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth” and in chapter seven and verse two of his book Solomon said, “it is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting” where we read,

It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting:

for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.

The verse reads, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting:” Solomon began with the words, “it is better” or “the following is far superior and more excellent” “to go to the house of mourning” which means “to depart, proceed and leave toward the abode, habitation and dwelling place pertaining to lamentation and the dead”, “than to go to the house of feasting” or “compared to departing, proceeding and leaving toward the abode, habitation and dwelling place pertaining to drinking and banqueting”. Solomon declared that proceeding toward the dwelling place pertaining to lamentation is superior to proceeding to the dwelling place of banqueting.

The verse continues, “for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.” Daniel added the words, “for that is the end of all men” or “because, since and on account of that the house of lamentation and the dead exists as the conclusion, hinder part and termination pertaining to each, every and the whole of people whether male or female”; “and the living” which means “and the people who are alive and active” “will lay it to his heart” or “shall put, set, bestow, grant and ascribe it, their conclusion and termination, to his, the person’s, soul, mind and will”. Solomon said termination or death exists as the conclusion for all people, and those who are alive shall ascribe that idea into their souls, minds and wills.

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon a great principle for all of us to follow. Death is our final act on earth, and it happens because sin is in the lives of everyone. (See Romans 3:10,23) The consequences for sin is death, however, “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23) 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 belief and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord” to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and directed into the truth by His Holy Spirit so we will always keep our final act on earth, death, in the forefronts of our minds. We may be advantaged to visit a graveyard, consider the dates on the memorials, consider the “dash” that is in between the dates and to think about our own “dash” before we too meet the destination of those who are now lifeless before us.

Next time Solomon says, “sorrow is better than laughter”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Good Name is Precious - Ecclesiastes 7:1

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better? For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?” and in chapter seven and verse one of his book Solomon shared about, “a good name is better than precious ointment” where we read,

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

The verse reads, “A good name is better than precious ointment;” Solomon began with the words, “a good name” or “a pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable fame, reputation and glory” “is better than precious ointment” which means “exists as superior, surpassing and greater compared to pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable medicament or unguent”. Solomon said an excellent and valuable reputation far exceeds the price of excellent medicament.

The verse goes on to say, “and the day of death than the day of one's birth.” Daniel continued with the words, “and the day of death” or “and the sunrise to sunset pertaining to dying, ruin and destruction” “than the day of one’s birth” which means “compared to the sunrise to sunset belonging to a person’s begetting, engendering and birthday”. Solomon said the sunrise to sunset pertaining to a persons expiration from life exceeds their engendering or birthday.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he thought valuable medicament was of lesser degree of importance compared to a solid reputation, and he thought that a person’s “death day” exceeded the value of the day they were born. This is a pretty glib view on life, but we must remember that he is writing about “life under the sun”, and this statement does not at all apply to the person who has given their heart and life to God’s Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone and was raised from the grave after three days. All who put their faith and trust in Him will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and given His Holy Spirit who will help them to live in a faithful, precious and valuable manner in His Kingdom.

Next time Solomon says, “It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Who Knows What is Good for Man? - Ecclesiastes 6:12

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?” and in chapter six and verse twelve of his book Solomon asked, “who knows what is good for man in this life …?” where we read,

For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

The verse reads, “For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spends as a shadow?” Solomon began with the words, “for who knows” or “because, since and on account that what person perceives, discerns, discriminates and understands” “what is good for man” which means “that which exists as pleasant, agreeable and excellent on behalf of a person whether male or female” “in this life” or “within this, the person’s, active living”, “all the days of his vain life” which means “in each, every and the whole of the sunrises to sunsets pertaining to his, the person’s, vaporous, breath like and transitory dissatisfying current active living” “which he spends” or “that he, the person, fashions, accomplishes and produces” “as a shadow” which means “similar and in likeness to a shade or defense”? Solomon asked what person is aware of “what is” the pleasantness and agreeableness for a person within this current manner of living that is fashioned in keeping with a shade or defense.

The verse continues, “for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun? Daniel added the words, “for who can tell a man” or “because, since and on account that what person is able to make known, announce and report to a person whether male or female” “what shall be after him” which means “whatsoever will exist following him, the person” “under the sun” or “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon questioned what person is able to make known to a living person whatsoever will exist following their time “under the sun”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he wondered what person perceives the pleasantness that may be gained while they live because every “day” they are alive, they fashion themselves like a shade or defense. No one on earth is able to disclose to a person that which will exist following them on the earth or beneath the sun, however, God is able. God knows us, loves us and desires to live with us for all eternity. When we surrender our lives to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days, we will be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and give us direction for living that is in keeping with His Divine plan and purpose.

Next time Solomon says, “a good name is better than precious ointment”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Many Things that Increase Vanity - Ecclesiastes 6:11

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “That which has been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he” and in chapter six and verse eleven of his book Solomon shared about, “many things that increase vanity” where we read,

Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

The verse reads, “Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, …” Solomon began with the words, “seeing there be many things” or “since, because and on account that there exists a great number, numerous and an abundant amount of utterances, acts and matter” “that increase vanity” which means “that causes vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction to be enlarged, numerous and multiplied” the following question is asked. Solomon said since there are an abundant amount of acts and matter that multiply transitory dissatisfaction, the following question should be asked.

The verse goes on to say, “… what is man the better?” Daniel continued with the words, “what is man” or “whatsoever exists a person whether male or female” “the better” which means “to be advantaged and superior”? Solomon questioned the superiority of a person since there are numerous acts and matters that result in transitory dissatisfaction.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon didn’t think there was any advantage to anyone when a numerous amount of dissatisfying matters come into their lives. God wants us to enjoy our lives and not simply be grasping for the wind. God loves us, and His desire is 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 give us His Holy Spirit so we are not lost in the transitory matters that will never fulfill us like He can.

Next time Solomon asks, “who knows what is good for man in this life …?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Thursday, March 26, 2026

That Which has Been Named Already - Ecclesiastes 6:10

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:This is also vanity and vexation of spirit”, and in chapter six and verse ten of his book Solomon shared about, “that which has been is named already” where we read,

That which has been is named already, and it is known that it is man:

neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

The verse reads, “That which has been is named already, and it is known that it is man:” Solomon began with the words, “that which has been” or “whatever has happened, come to pass, fallen out and existed” “is named already” which means “exists as called out, read, proclaimed and summoned in fame, reputation and glory long ago, a great while ago or in the past”, “and it is known” or “and the following is perceived, discerned, distinguished and understood” “that it is man” which means “that it, that which has been, exists as a person”. Solomon said whatever happened has previously been known for it’s fame reputation and glory that it pertains to human beings.

The verse continues, “neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.” Daniel added the words, “neither may he contend with him” or “no and not in any way can he, the person, judge, plead, minister judgment or be indicative with the person” “that is mightier than he” which means “who exists as stronger and more powerful compared to the person”. Solomon said a person is unable to dispute and plead with one who is more powerful and stronger than they.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how Solomon considered everything to have previously been decided, and this knowledge was understood a long time ago. No one, according to Solomon, is able to dispute or argue with One who is stronger than them. God is mightier than everyone, and when He decides, we argue with Him in vain. God wants us to know He loves us and has our best interest in mind. He desires 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 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 guide us into all truth and help us to understand how to be and the way to use that which He has provided without any need to dispute it. (See John 3:16; 16:13)

Next time Solomon shares about, “many things that increase vanity”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Sight of the Eyes Versus the Wandering of Desire - Ecclesiastes 6:9

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “what has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor, that knows to walk before the living?”, and in chapter six and verse nine of his book Solomon said, “better is the sight of the eyes than wandering of the desire” where we read,

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:

This is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

The verse reads, “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire:” Solomon began with the words, “better is the sight” or “to a greater, more pleasant, agreeable and excellent degree exist the vision, spectacle, appearance and comeliness” “of the eyes” which means “belonging to the physical eyes used for vision and sight” “than the wandering” or “compared to the walking, proceeding, departing, moving away and manner of life” “of the desire” which means “pertaining to the appetite, mind, living being, emotion and passion”. Solomon said that which the physical eyes observe is superior to the proceeding toward emotion and passion.

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, what the eyes see being superior to the passion, exists even so and indeed as vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction” “and vexation” which means “and longing, striving and grasping” “of spirit” or “for air or the wind”. Solomon said that which the “eyes” see existing as superior to the emotion and passion is as vapor, transitory dissatisfaction and grasping for the wind.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon noted the way our eyes observe things that end up not living up to what we observed. How many of us have experienced this? It seems like the desire for something is so filled with fantasy, that when that desire is fulfilled, reality sets in and it does not live up to expectations. God knows the temporal nature of things of the world, some would call them “bobbles”, never satisfies the longing of our souls. God saved that place in our hearts for Himself, 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 made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and help us to be passionate about eternal things which will satisfy and fulfill us for all eternity. (See Matthew 6:19-21)

Next time Solomon shares about, “that which has been is named already”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…