The Word for Today with Ray

Monday, April 6, 2026

Go Your Way and Eat Your Bread - Ecclesiastes 9:7

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun”, and in chapter nine and verse seven of his book Solomon said, “Go your way, eat your bread with joy” where we read,

Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart;

for God now accepts your works.

The verse reads, “Go your way, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart;” Solomon began with the words, “Go your way” or “depart and leave upon your, the readers of Solomon’s words’, traveled road and journey”, “eat your bread with joy” which means “consume and devour your, the readers of Solomon’s words’, grain and food accompanied by gladness, mirth, gaiety and pleasure”, “and drink your wine” or “and imbibe your, the readers of Solomon’s words’, fruit of the vine” “with a merry heart” which means “accompanied by a good, pleasant and agreeable soul, mind and will”. Solomon instructed His readers to consume their food accompanied by gladness and pleasure, and they were to imbibe their fruit of the vine accompanied by a good, pleasant and agreeable soul and mind.

The verse continues, “for God now accepts your works.” Solomon added the words, “for God” or “because, since and on account that the Supreme Deity” “now accepts your works” which means “at this time is pleased with, favorable to and satisfied with your, the readers of Solomon’s words’, acts, deeds, business and undertakings”. Solomon said the Supreme Deity Jehovah God is pleased with and favorable to his reader’s acts, deeds and undertakings.

When we think through Solomon’s words in this verse, we discovered how he instructed his readers to depart to enjoy consuming their food and drinking their fruit of the vine because the Supreme Deity Jehovah God is pleased with their acts and deeds. God wants an intimate personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. He was resurrected from the dead after three days so all who believe and trust in Him as their “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins and granted everlasting life with Him. God will provide His Holy Spirit to us to guide us into all truth and to teach us how to perform our acts and deeds in a manner that is not only pleasing to Him, but will also be rewarded for all eternity. (See John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10)

Next time Solomon says, “Let your garments be always white”, 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".

Love, Hatred and Envy Perished - Ecclesiastes 9:6

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten”, and in chapter nine and verse six of his book Solomon said, “their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished” where we read,

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished;

neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.

The verse reads, “Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; ” Solomon began with the words, “also their love” or “even so and indeed their, the people who are dead’s, passion and affection”, “and their hatred” which means “and their, the people who are dead’s, detestation and existing as an enemy and foe”, “and their envy” or “and their, the people who are dead’s, ardor, zeal and jealousy”, “is now perished” which means “exists at this time as vanished, destroyed and blotted away”. Solomon said the “love, hatred and envy” of people who have died has been eliminated and blotted away.

The verse goes on to say, “neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun.” Solomon continued with the words, “neither have they” or “no and not in any way do they, the people who are dead, hold, own or possess” “any more a portion for ever” which means “no longer a part, share or parcel unto futurity, everlasting, perpetually and evermore” “in any thing” or “within any act, deed or speech “that is done” which means “that exists as performed, produced, fashioned and accomplished” “under the sun” or “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon said people who have died no longer possess a share or part eternally within any word, act or deed that is fashioned and accomplished beneath the sun in the sky.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover how Solomon noted the lack of “love, hatred, envy and share” that a dead person has in the world. All of those things are gone, and they no longer have significance within the person who has died. This again is an “earthly temporal” view which lacks an eternal perspective. God owns and disperses His possessions and gifts in keeping with His purpose and will, and because He loves us, 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 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 so the gifts He gives us upon the earth are employed to receive everlasting rewards that shall never fade away. (See Matthew 6:19)

Next time Solomon says, “Go your way, eat your bread with joy”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Living Know They Shall Die - Ecclesiastes 9:5

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion”, and in chapter nine and verse five of his book Solomon said, ““the living know that they shall die” where we read,

For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing,

neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

The verse reads, “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, …” Solomon began with the words, “for the living know” or “because, since and on account that people who are active and alive perceive, discern, distinguish and recognize” “that they shall die” which means “that they, the living people, will be non-living, breathless and inactive”: “but the dead” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover people who are non-living, inactive and breathless” “know not any thing” which means “perceive, discern, distinguish or recognize not one thing”. Solomon said people who are alive are aware that they will be non-living, however, people who have died are unaware of everything.

The verse continues, “… neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Solomon added the words, “neither have they” or “no and not in any way have they, the people who are dead” “any more a reward” which means “no longer hire, wages, pay, price or worth”; “for the memory of them” or “because, since and on account that a memorial or remembrance pertaining to people who are dead” “is forgotten” which means “exists as ceased to care, withered and ignored”. Solomon said the people who are dead do not possess wages or worth because the remembrance of them is withered away and ignored.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he determined that people who are living are aware that they shall one day die, however, people who have died are unaware of everything. According to Solomon, dead people do not have wages, remuneration or worth, however, this is not so with God. God values all of us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so all who believe and trust in Him as “Savior and Lord” will be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide them into all truth and empower them to live according to that truth which will constantly remind them of their value and worth to Almighty God.

Next time Solomon says, “their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

There is Hope - Ecclesiastes 9:4

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead”, and in chapter nine and verse four of his book Solomon said, “to him that is joined to all the living there is hope” where we read,

For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

The verse reads, “For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope:” Solomon began with the words, “for to him” or “because, since and on account that to the person whether male or female” “that is joined” which means “who exists as united with, bound together and coupled” “to all the living” or “to each, every, the whole and everyone of the people who are lively, flowing and active” “there is hope” which means “there exists trust and confidence”. Solomon declared that “hope” exists for people who are active and alive.

The verse goes on to say, “for a living dog is better than a dead lion.” Solomon continued with the words, “for a living dog” or “because, since and on account that a lively, active and flowing yelping and attacking canine” “is better than a dead lion” which means “exists in a more pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable manner compared to a non-breathing, inactive and non-living lion animal”. Solomon concluded that a “dog” that is alive and active exists in a more pleasant manner compared to a non-living “lion”.

When we think through Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he observed people solely for their temporal living upon the earth. If there is no eternal life, then the existence of a living “dog” does surpass the non-living “lion”. But there is eternal life, and people go on living after death. God knows we will live forever, and He wants us to live with Him in Heaven. Access to Him is gained when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected 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 so we are never without “hope” and live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.

Next time Solomon says, “the living know that they shall die”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

An Evil Among All Things - Ecclesiastes 9:3

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrifices, and to him that sacrifices not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears an oath”, and in chapter nine and verse three of his book Solomon said, “this is an evil among all things that are done under the sun” where we read,

This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

The verse reads, “This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all:” Solomon began with the words, “this is an evil” or “the following exists as a bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and displeasing act, deed and speech” “among all things” which means “in the midst and middle of each, every and the whole of acts, deeds and speeches” “that are done” or “which are fashioned, accomplished, made, produced and performed” “under the sun” which means “beneath the sun in the sky”, “that there is one event” or “that there exists a single and sole happening, chance, fortune and fate” “unto all” which means “to each, every and the whole of people”. Solomon said the following displeasing act exists within the midst of each and every deed and speech which is performed beneath the sun, and that single fate is destined for everyone.

The verse continues, “ yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.” Solomon added the words, “yes, also the heart” or “even so and indeed the soul, mind and will” “of the sons of men” which means “pertaining to the offspring and progeny belonging to people” “is full of evil” or “exists as abundant, filled and complete with bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and displeasing acts, deeds and speeches”, “and madness” which means “and foolhardiness and folly” “is in their heart” or “exists within their, all people’s, souls, minds and will” “while they live” which means “during the time they, the people, remain alive and active”, “and after that they go” or “and following that time, they, the people, proceed, leave and depart” “to the dead” which means “toward the non-living and without breath and life”. Solomon said the soul, mind and will belonging to the offspring of people exists as filled with malignancy, sin and foolhardiness during the time they are alive, and following that time, they die.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn what Solomon observed within the human race. His assessment was that everyone exists with sin and wickedness within their souls and mind, and whatever they do beneath the sun is nothing more than folly while they remain alive. After that time, they die. In some ways his valuation was correct because “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), and the “wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. (See Romans 6:23) This is the reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world. Jesus died on the cross for the sins of everyone, and when He rose from the dead after three days, He made the way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and to be filled with His Holy Spirit so our acts, deeds and speeches are not only beneficial in this life, but also within the eternal life to come.

Next time Solomon says, “to him that is joined to all the living there is hope”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Sunday, April 5, 2026

All Things Come Alike to All - Ecclesiastes 9:2

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knows either love or hatred by all that is before them”, and in chapter nine and verse two of his book Solomon said, “all things come alike to all” where we read,

All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrifices, and to him that sacrifices not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears an oath.

The verse reads, “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean;” Solomon began with the words, “all things come alike to all” or “each, every and the whole of acts, deeds and speeches arrive and enter in a similar and like fashion to each, every and the whole of everyone”: “there is one event” which means “there exists a single and particular happening, chance, fortune and fate” “to the righteous” or “toward people who are right, just, lawful and correct”, “and to the wicked” which means “and to people who are bad, disagreeable, malignant, unrighteous and evil”; “to the good” or “to the people who are pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable” “and to the clean” which means “and toward the ceremonially, morally and ethically fair and pure”, “and to the unclean” or “and toward the people who are not ceremonially, morally and ethically fair and pure”. Solomon said everything enters into the lives of people whether they are just and lawful or malignant and evil as well as to the people who are ceremonially pure or impure.

The verse goes on to say, “to him that sacrifices, and to him that sacrifices not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that swears, as he that fears an oath.” Solomon continued with the words, “to him that sacrifices” or “to him, the person whether male or female, who makes offerings and slaughters for sacrifice”, “and to him” which means “and to the person whether male or female” “that sacrifices not” or “who does not make offerings and slaughters for sacrifice”: “as is the good” which means “in a similar and like manner exist the pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable”, “so is the sinner” or “even and indeed exists the person who misses the mark, is wrong, incurs guilt and is unclean”; “and he that swears” which means “and the person whether male or female who adjures or takes an oath”, “as he that fears an oath” or “similar and in likeness to the person whether male or female who reveres, is afraid and dreads an attesting of innocence or something sworn”. Solomon said the person who makes offerings receives the same as the person who does not offer anything, and in likeness, there is no difference in what is received by the person who acts in a righteous manner versus the person misses the mark and is wrong including the one who takes an oath verse the person who is afraid to do so.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how everyone receives the same final result regardless of how they behave. That single result is death, and because we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, (See Romans 3:23) we shall all receive the wages of death for our sins. (See Romans 6:23) For this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone, and He raised Him from the dead after three days so 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 to guide us into all truth so everything we do is accounted for and is rewarded for all eternity. (See Isaiah 53:6; John 16:13; 2 Corinthians 5:21)

Next time Solomon says, “this is an evil among all things that are done under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Considering All This in My Heart - Ecclesiastes 9:1

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labor to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yes further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it”, and in chapter nine and verse one of his book Solomon said, “for all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this” where we read,

For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knows either love or hatred by all that is before them.

The verse reads, “For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God:” Solomon began with the words, “for all this” or “on behalf of this, the work performed under the sun” “I considered in my heart” which means “I, Solomon, ascribed, consecrated and assigned within my, Solomon’s, soul and mind” “even to declare all this” or “also and indeed to make clear, explain and prove toward each, every and the whole of the following”, “that the righteous” which means “that the people who live in a just, right and morally and ceremonially justified manner”, “and the wise” or “and the skilled, shrewd and prudent people”, “and their works” which means “and their, the skilled and prudent people’s, acts and deed”, “are in the hand of God” or “exist within the hand of power, might and authority belonging to the Supreme Deity”. Solomon referred to how he assigned his soul and mind to make clear and explain everything concerning people who are right and just and skilled and prudent and their labor which exist within the power, might and authority of the Supreme Deity Jehovah God.

The verse continues, “no man knows either love or hatred by all that is before them.” Solomon added the words, “no man knows either love” or “not any person whether male or female perceives, discerns, learns and recognizes passionate fondness and affection” “or hatred” which means “no and not in any way exceeding detestation as an enemy or foe” “by all that is before them” which means “through the means of each, every, the whole and everything that exists in front and in the presence of them, the people who do not know love or hatred”. Solomon said no one is aware of whether they will receive passionate affection or extreme detestation through the means of everything that exists within their presence.

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover how Solomon was unsure as to whether a person would receive affection or detestation for their acts and deeds upon the earth. We can be assured that Jehovah God knows, and His judgment will not only be just and right, but will also be filtered 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 our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and keep us aligned with the ways which are pleasing in His eyes.

Next time Solomon says, “all things come alike to all”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…