The Word for Today with Ray: 2025

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Sudden Destruction for the Often Reproved - Proverbs 29:1

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “when the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase”, and in chapter twenty-nine and verse one of Proverbs Solomon said, “he, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed” where we read,

He, that being often reproved hardens his neck,

shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

The verse begins, “He, that being often reproved hardens his neck, ...” Solomon began with the words, “he, that being often reproved” or “the person whether male or female, who is corrected, rebuked, punished and chastened numerous times” “hardens his neck” which means “makes the neck of their body stiff, obstinate, severe, fierce and harsh”. Solomon referred to the person who stubbornly refuses to receive correction and criticism who will experience the following.

The verse continues, “... shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.” Solomon added the words, “shall suddenly be destroyed” or “will quickly, in a moment and in an instant be violently ruined, broken down, rent, wrecked and crushed”, “and that without remedy” which means “and the destruction will occur without possessing any cure, healing or deliverance”. Solomon said instant destruction without deliverance will come upon the person who stubbornly refuses to be corrected.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon that eventual devastating results will come upon a person who continually resists reproof and correction. Without warning their ruin will arrive, and not only will they have no way to be delivered from their destruction, but they will also realize they failed to heed the warnings. God give us warning after warning in the Bible because He loves us and knows the repercussions for not following His ways. He wants to have an intimate personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of us all mankind, and when we believe and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to carefully listen to and obey His words to protect us from ruin and destruction.

Next time Solomon says, “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice”, 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".

When Wicked Men Rise - Proverbs 28:28

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that gives to the poor shall not lack: but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-eight of Proverbs Solomon said, “when the wicked rise, men hide themselves” where we read,

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves:

but when they perish, the righteous increase.

The verse begins, “When the wicked rise, men hide themselves:” Solomon began with the words, “when the wicked rise” or “at the time and moment people who are criminal, guilty of crimes, evil and hostile to God stand up, become powerful and come on the scene”, “men hide themselves” which means “men, people both male and female, conceal and make secret and absent their own selves”. Solomon said at the time people who are evil and hostile to God become powerful, others conceal themselves from them.

The verse goes on to say, “but when they perish, the righteous increase.” Solomon continued with the words, “but when they perish” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover at the time and moment they, the wicked, vanish, go astray, die and are exterminated”, “the righteous increase” which means “the people who are right, just, correct and lawful become numerous, multiply and grow great”. Solomon said at the time people who are evil and hostile to God are exterminated, those who are just and correct multiply and become numerous.

When we consider Solomon's words in this verse, we discover the response of the masses at the time evil people rule over them. They hide. However, when those evil people are exterminated, the people multiply and become numerous. No one likes to be oppressed, and when evil leaders abuse their subjects, their subjects conceal themselves from them. God is a loving God and King, and He desires a caring intimate relationship with all of us. He proved this by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, 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 the wisdom of His Holy Spirit as to how we are to respond when evil rulers rise and when they fall.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “he, that being often reproved hardens his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

He That Gives to the Poor - Proverbs 28:27

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-seven of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that gives unto the poor shall not lack” where we read,

He that gives to the poor shall not lack:

but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.

The verse begins, “He that gives to the poor shall not lack:” Solomon began with the words, “he that gives” or “he, the person whether male or female, who bestows, consecrates, dedicates, entrusts and delivers” “to the poor” which means “toward people who are impoverished, in want, in need and destitute” “shall not lack” or “will in no way or manner be in want or need”. Solomon said the person who bestows and delivers to people who are impoverished will not in any way be in need themselves.

The verse continues, “but he that hides his eyes shall have many a curse.” Solomon added the words, “but he that hides his eyes” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover he, the person whether male or female, who conceals and makes secret their physical eyes or mental and spiritual faculties” “shall have many a curse” which means “will experience numerous, abounding and a multitude of maledictions, imprecations and anathemas”. Solomon said the person who conceals their physical eyes and mental faculties from giving to the poor will experience numerous imprecations themselves.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how giving to people who are impoverished has a reciprocal benefit to those who give, however, so does concealing our vision from those who are in need. God loves. God gives, and God wants us to be like Him. We are all impoverished spiritually because we have sin in our lives which keeps us separated from a personal relationship with Him. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (See John 3:16) Jesus came into the world to die on the cross for our sins, and when we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us eternal life and put within us an awareness of those who are impoverished and give us the ability to attend to their needs.

Next time Solomon says, “when the wicked rise, men hide themselves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

The Fool Trusting in Their Own Heart - Proverbs 28:26

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife: but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-six of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that trusts in his own heart is a fool” where we read,

He that trusts in his own heart is a fool:

but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.

The verse begins, “He that trusts in his own heart is a fool:” Solomon began with the words, “he that trusts” or “the person whether male or female who has faith and confidence” “in his own heart” which means “within his, the person's, own personal soul, mind, will, desires, conscience and seat of emotions and affections” “is a fool” or “exists as a dullard, simpleton, stupid fellow and arrogant one”. Solomon said the person who has faith and confidence within their own personal soul and mind exists as a stupid fellow and a dullard.

The verse goes on to say, “but whoso walks wisely, he shall be delivered.” Solomon continued with the words, “but whoso walks wisely” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover whatever person whether male or female that ambles and makes their way about in a skilled, shrewd and prudent manner”, “he shall be delivered” which means “he, that person whether male or female, will exist as rescued, saved and released”. Solomon said the person who lives in a shrewd and prudent manner will be rescued and saved.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how people who put their confidence within their own souls and minds are foolish, however, the person who makes their way in a shrewd and prudent manner will be rescued. Jeremiah the prophet said, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”(See Jeremiah 17:9). The answer is God. God knows us and loves us, and when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us to make our way with shrewdness and prudence.

Next time Solomon says, “he that gives unto the poor shall not lack”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

A Proud Heart Stirring Up Strife - Proverbs 28:25

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, it is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-five of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that is of a proud heart stirs up strife” where we read,

He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife:

but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

The verse begins, “He that is of a proud heart stirs up strife:” Solomon began with the words, “he that is of a proud heart” or “the person whether male or female who exists with an arrogant and boastful soul, mind, will, desire, living being, conscience and seat of emotions and affections” “stirs up strife” which means “excites, engages, provokes, arouses and incites contention, brawling and discord”. Solomon said the person who has an arrogant and boastful soul provokes contention and discord.

The verse continues, “but he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.” Solomon added the words, “but he that puts his trust” or “however, nevertheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person whether male or female who places, sets and fixes their faith, confidence and security” “in the LORD” which means “within Jehovah who is the existing One and the proper name for the One True God” “shall be made fat” or “will become prosperous and enriched”. Solomon said the person who places their confidence in Jehovah God will become prosperous.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon that a person who is arrogant and boastful within their soul provokes and engages in contention and discord, however, the person who places their faith and confidence within Jehovah God will be made prosperous. God loves us, and He desires the best for our lives. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and help us by His Holy Spirit to place our confidence in Him so we will be enriched and prosperous.

Next time Solomon says, “he that trusts in his own heart is a fool”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Friday, April 4, 2025

Robbing Father or Mother - Proverbs 28:24

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that rebukes a man afterward shall find more favor than he that flatters with the tongue”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-four of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “whoso robs his father or his mother” where we read,

Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, it is no transgression;

the same is the companion of a destroyer.

The verse begins, “Whoso robs his father or his mother, and says, it is no transgression;” Solomon began with the words, “whoso robs” or “whatever person whether male or female that plunders, seizes, strips and spoils” “his father or his mother” which means “his, the person's, immediate male progenitor and ancestor or the person's immediate female progenitor and ancestor”, “and says” or “and utters, declares and proclaims”, “it is no transgression” which means “plundering their parents is not in any way a rebellion, revolt or sin”. Solomon referred to the person who plunders their “father and mother” and claims there is nothing wrong with doing so.

The verse goes on to say, “the same is the companion of a destroyer.” Solomon added the words, “the same is the companion” or “the person who robs his father or mother exists as the associate and united fellow” “of a destroyer” which means “pertaining to a person who causes ruin, is corrupt and perverse”. Solomon said the person who plunders their “father and mother” exist as the associate of people who are perverse and ruinous.

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how the person who steals from their parents and claims they have done nothing wrong exists as an associate of people who are perverse. God said, “Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God gives you”, (See Exodus 20:12) and anyone who takes advantage of their parents violates the law of God. God wants us to obey Him, and when we yield to His Son Jesus as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of honoring our parents so we will never come into ruin for not doing so.

Next time Solomon says, “he that is of a proud heart stirs up strife”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Rebuking a Man - Proverbs 28:23

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that hastes to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-three of Proverbs Solomon shared about the person, “that rebukes a man” where we read,

He that rebukes a man afterward shall find more favor

than he that flatters with the tongue.

The verse begins, “He that rebukes a man afterward shall find more favor ...” Solomon began with the words, “he that rebukes a man” or “he, the person whether male or female, who reproves, corrects and adjudges a person whether male or female with honest criticism” “afterward shall find more favor” which means “behind and following their reproof will discover greater charm, elegance and grace” compared to the following person. Solomon said the person who reproves and corrects another person will discover a greater amount of grace after doing so than the following person.

The verse continues, “... than he that flatters with the tongue.” Solomon added the words, “than he that flatters” or “compared to the person whether male or female who commends, praises and compliments” “with the tongue” which means “by the use of the wedge in the mouth used for tasting and speaking”. Solomon said the person who gives honest criticism to a person gains more grace than the person who commends and praises a person by the use of their “tongue”.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how honest criticism gains more grace from the person receiving it than dishonestly speaking praise and commendation to the person. Sometimes correction does not “feel” good, but it is necessary, and God will correct and guide us through His scriptures all the days of our lives when we surrender to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17) God loves us, and He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of being corrected and giving reproof in an honest manner through the help of His Holy Spirit.

Next time Solomon shares about, “whoso robs his father or his mother”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Hasting to Be Rich - Proverbs 28:22

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “to have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-two of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that hastes to be rich has an evil eye” where we read,

He that hastes to be rich has an evil eye,

and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.

The verse begins, “He that hastes to be rich has an evil eye, ...” Solomon began with the words, “he that hastes” or “the person whether male or female who hurries, rushes and is anxious” “to be rich” which means “to exist as wealthy, noble and with great substance” “has an evil eye” or “holds, owns and possesses a mental and spiritual faculty or a physical eye that is disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and displeasing”. Solomon said the person who hurries to be wealthy possesses mental and spiritual faculties which are malignant and wicked.

The verse goes on to say, “... and considers not that poverty shall come upon him.” Solomon continued with the words, “and considers not” or “and does not know, perceive, discriminate or discern” “that poverty shall come upon him” which means “that want, lack and impoverishment will enter and fall upon him, the person who hastes to be rich”. Solomon said the person who is hasty to become wealthy is unaware that impoverishment shall fall upon them.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how we are not to be anxious to become wealthy. In our haste we may not perceive that impoverishment may fall upon us. God possesses everything, (See Psalms 24:1) and He distributes His belongings to whomever He wills. Nothing material we gain on the earth will go with us when we leave this world through death, and rather than desiring only earthly wealth, we have the opportunity to have “riches in heaven”. (See Matthew 6:19-21) God loves us, and He sent 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 “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life teach us to value “true riches” and not just the wealth the world has to offer. (See Luke 16:11)

Next time Solomon shares about the person, “that rebukes a man”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…