The Laborer Laboring for Himself - Proverbs 16:26

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “there is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death”, and in chapter sixteen and verse twenty-six of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that labors labors for himself” where we read,

He that labors labors for himself; for his mouth craves it of him.

The verse begins, “He that labors labors for himself;” Solomon began with the words, “he that labors” or “the person whether male or female who suffers with toil and work” “labors for himself” which means “ severely suffers with toil and work on behalf of their own self”. Solomon shared how people who suffer with toil and work do so on behalf of their own selves.

The verse continues, “for his mouth craves it of him.” Solomon added the words, “for his mouth” or “because, since and on account that his, the person's, whether male or female, orifice in the face used for eating, drinking and speaking” “craves it of him” which means “presses, bends and urges the toil and work from the person”. Solomon said the person's own “mouth” or appetite presses and urges them to toil and work.

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon about the nature of the suffering that is endured with toil and work. The need of people presses them to “labor”, and even though the “work” is sometimes difficult, the passion for fulfillment is greater. God Himself “labored” to create the universe and everything within it. He made us, and His desire is to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of the world. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of working in His Kingdom even as Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest”. (See John 4:35)

Next time Solomon says, “an ungodly man digs up evil”, 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".