The Merciful Man - Proverbs 11:17

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A gracious woman retains honor: and strong men retain riches”, and in chapter eleven and verse seventeen of Proverbs Solomon said, “the merciful man does good to his own soul” where we read,

The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.

The verse begins, “The merciful man does good to his own soul:” Solomon began with the words, “the merciful man” or “the person whether male or female who is kind, faithful and pitiful” “does good to his own soul” which means “performs recompenses, rewards and give bounty toward his, the merciful man's, own personal heart, mind, will, desires, conscience and seat of emotions and passions”. Solomon shared how the person who demonstrates faith and pity rewards and grants bounty toward their own personal heart, mind and will.

The verse continues, “but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.” Solomon added the words, “but he that is cruel” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person who exists as harsh, fierce and savage” “troubles his own flesh” which means “stirs up, disturbs and afflicts the person's own personal body or skin next to the bones”. Solomon said the person who is fierce and savage afflicts and disturbs their own body.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how there is a reciprocal reaction to the way a person acts toward others. The person who is kind and pitiful toward others benefits their own heart, mind and will, and the person who is harsh and cruel toward others will cause difficulties in their own bodies. God knows what is best for us, and when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins, He made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life with Him and how to be kind and faithful to others so that we are blessed as well.

Next time Solomon says, “the wicked works a deceitful work”, 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".

 

A Gracious Woman - Proverbs 11:16

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates suretiship is sure”, and in chapter eleven and verse sixteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “a gracious woman retains honor” where we read,

A gracious woman retains honor: and strong men retain riches.

The verse begins, “A gracious woman retains honor:” Solomon began with the words, “a gracious woman” or “a female human being who possesses favor, charm, grace and elegance” “retains honor” which means “holds, grasps, lays hold of and attains glory, abundance, riches, reverence and dignity”. Solomon shared how a female human being who has charm, grace and favor attains glory and reverence.

The verse goes on to say, “and strong men retain riches.” Solomon continued with the words, “and strong men or “and male human beings who are awe-inspiring, terror-striking, mighty and powerful” “retain riches” which means “hold, grasp, lay hold of and attain wealth”. Solomon said male human being show are powerful and mighty lay hold of wealth and abundance.

When we consider Solomon's words in this verse, we discover how “gracious women” and “strong men” are benefited and blessed. Glory, abundance and riches are attained by the “woman” who has favor and grace, and wealth and abundance are the blessing received by “men” who are powerful and “strong”. God wants us to be blessed by Him, and He proved this by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and bless us with His favor and wealth that shall last throughout all eternity.

Next time Solomon says, “the merciful man does good to his own soul”, 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".

 

Surety for a Stranger - Proverbs 11:15

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety”, and in chapter eleven and verse fifteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it” where we read,

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hates suretiship is sure.

The verse begins, “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it:” Solomon began with the words, “he that is surety” or “the person whether male or female who exists as security, pledge and exchange” “for a stranger” which means “on behalf of a bad, evil, unpleasant and displeasing foreigner” “shall smart for it” or “will experience injury, hurt and affliction on behalf of being security and pledge”. Solomon shared how there is an unpleasant consequence for being the security and pledge for an evil unknown person.

The verse continues, “and he that hates suretiship is sure.” Solomon added the words, “and he that hates suretiship” or “and the person whether male or female who loathes and is as an enemy and foe to striking, pledging and becoming a bondsman” “is sure” which means “exists as confident, secure, bold and made to trust”. Solomon said the person who is as an enemy to pledging being security for another person exists as confidence and secure.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon about the dangers of being a bondsman for an evil person. Rather than co-signing on behalf of another person, we should be odious toward it. God knows there is a great danger to us when become the security for someone else, and we can do no better than follow His direction in this area. God loves us, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins to prove it. When we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to be “surety” only as we rely upon Him.

Next time Solomon says, “a gracious woman retains honor”, 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".

 

Where No Counsel Is - Proverbs 11:14

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter”, and in chapter eleven and verse fourteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “where no counsel is, the people fall” where we read,

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

The verse begins, “Where no counsel is, the people fall:” Solomon began with the words, “where no counsel is” or “ in the place and location that there exists not any direction, guidance or good advice”, “the people fall” which means “the human beings whether male or female are cast down, prostrate and wasted away”. Solomon said people are cast down and wasted away whenever there exists no good advice and guidance.

The verse goes on to say, “but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Solomon continued with the words, “but in the multitude of counselors” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover within the great, abundant and numerous amount of ones who consult, give advice, consult and devise purposes and plan” “there is safety” which means “there exists deliverance, salvation, help and victory”. Solomon said there exists safety and deliverance whenever there are numerous people who are consultants that give good advice.

When we meditate upon Solomon's words in this verse, we discover the importance of “good advice” and “counsel”. Without them, people “fall”, and with them, people are “kept secure”. God loves us and wants us to know His counsel. He gave us the Bible to reveal His plan and purpose for our salvation through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and was raised from the dead three days later. We acquire His “wisdom” and “counsel” when we surrender to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Lord and Savior”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us a “multitude of counselors” to keep us on His path as we follow Him.

Next time Solomon says, “he that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it”, 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".

 

A Talebearer Revealing Secrets - Proverbs 11:13

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “a talebearer reveals secrets” where we read,

A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

The verse begins, “A talebearer reveals secrets:” Solomon began with the words, “a talebearer” or “a person who walks, departs, proceeds, traverses and goes about informing and slandering” “reveals secrets” which means “uncovers, discloses and makes known counsel, intimacy and familiar converse”. Solomon shared how the person who goes about slandering others uncovers and makes known intimate counsel.

The verse continues, “but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.” Solomon added the words, “but he that is of a faithful spirit” or “however, notwithstanding, nevertheless and moreover he, the person whether male or female, who exists with a supportive, confirming, nourishing and reliable mind and disposition” “conceals the matter” which means “hides, spreads over and covers the saying, speech, occupation, affair and cause”. Solomon said the person who possesses a supportive, nourishing and reliable mind will hide the speech or cause of others.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon about the difference between someone who is a gadabout or gossip and the person who is reliable and covers “secret matters”. God loves us, and He knows everything. Still, He does not reveal “secrets” about us to others, and because we have sin in our lives, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us a “faithful” spirit that covers “secrets” that keeps away from being “talebearers” who expose the hidden things of others.

Next time Solomon says, “where no counsel is, the people fall”, 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".

 

Void of Wisdom - Proverbs 11:12

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked”, and in chapter eleven and verse twelve of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor” where we read,

He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor: but a man of understanding holds his peace.

The verse begins, “He that is void of wisdom despises his neighbor:” Solomon began with the words, “he that is void of wisdom” or “the person whether male or female who is destitute, failing, lacking and in need of skill, shrewdness and prudence” “despises his neighbor” which means “holds in contempt, makes insignificant and utterly disrespects his, the person void of wisdom's, friend, companion and intimate fellow citizen”. Solomon shared how a person who is lacking in shrewdness and prudence holds their fellow-citizen in contempt.

The verse goes on to say, “but a man of understanding holds his peace.” Solomon continued with the words, “but a man of understanding” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover a person whether male or female who holds, owns and possesses intelligence, skill, insight, discretion, reason and skillfulness” “holds his peace” which means “engraves, devises and keeps quiet his, the person of understanding's, silence and secrecy”. Solomon said a person who is intelligent and insightful keeps silence and secrecy over matters with his “neighbor”.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how there is a difference between a person who holds their fellow-citizens in contempt and those who keep their mouths silent about them. God loves us, and He wants us to be “wise” with our “neighbors” and to love them. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, not only will He forgive our sins and grant us everlasting life, but He will also give us the “wisdom” to know how to be silent with our “neighbors” and anyone else we encounter in our lives. (See Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14 and James 2:8)

Next time Solomon says, “a tale bearer reveals secrets”, 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".