Praising the Wicked by Forsaking the Law - Proverbs 28:4

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “a poor man that oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse four of Proverbs Solomon said, “they that forsake the law praise the wicked” where we read,

They that forsake the law praise the wicked:

but such as keep the law contend with them.

The verse begins, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked:” Solomon began with the words, “they that forsake the law” or “the people whether male or female who leave, depart from, abandon and neglect the direction, instruction and teaching of God” “praise the wicked” which means “honor, commend and make a boast within people who are criminals, guilty of crimes, evil and hostile to God”. Solomon said people who abandon and neglect God's instruction and direction give honor and commendation to evil, criminals and people who are hostile to God. 

The verse continues, “but such as keep the law contend with them.” Solomon added the words, “but such as keep the law” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the people who watch over, protect and observe the direction and instruction of God” “contend with them” which means “cause strife, meddle and wage war against the people who forsake God's law”. Solomon said people who obey the “law of God” strive against the people who forsake His instruction. 

When we meditate upon Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how there is a vast difference between people who observe and obey the law of God and those who refuse it. When a person abandons God's commandments, they align themselves with evil and people who are hostile to God, however, when they observe the law of God, they become the combatants to those who refuse God's ways. God wants everyone to follow and obey Him, but He knows not everyone will. This is why He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put a desire within us to observe His law and be strong enough to contend with those who refuse and reject His ways. 

Next time Solomon says, “evil men understand not judgment”, 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". 

The Poor Oppressing the Poor - Proverbs 28:3

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “for the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse three of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “the poor man that oppresses the poor” where we read,

A poor man that oppresses the poor

is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.

The verse begins, “A poor man that oppresses the poor ...” Solomon began with the words, “a poor man” or “a person whether male or female who is impoverished, lacking, in want and destitute” “that oppresses the poor” which means “who violates, defrauds, deceives and does violence to people who are impoverished, lacking, in want and destitute” is similar to the following. Solomon said the person who is impoverished and defrauds and deceives another person who is impoverished is similar to the following. 

The verse goes on to say, “... is like a sweeping rain which leaves no food.” Solomon continued with the words, “is like a sweeping rain” or “exist similar and in likeness to a scraping off and beating down rain from the clouds” “which leaves no food” which means “that allows for and retains not any grain, meat or victuals”. Solomon said an impoverished person who takes advantage of another impoverished person exists similar to a “rain from the sky” that beats down and allows no food or grain to remain. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how we are not to take advantage of others especially when they are in want and need because doing so is like rain that beats down and allows no food at all to remain. God wants us to care for others in the same manner that He cares for us, (See 1 Peter 5:7; John 13:34), and He proved His love toward us when He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us through His Holy Spirit how to attend to the needs of others in the same manner that He attends to us. 

Next time Solomon says, “they that forsake the law praise the wicked”, 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".

For the Transgression of a Land - Proverbs 28:2

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the wicked flee when no man pursues: but the righteous are bold as a lion”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse two of Proverbs Solomon said, “for the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof” where we read,

For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof:

but a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.

The verse begins, “For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof:” Solomon began with the words, “for the transgression” or “on behalf of the rebellion, sin and conflict” “of a land” which means “belonging to the earth, country, territory, district, region and ground” “many are the princes thereof” or “great, numerous and abundant exist the rulers, chiefs, officials, commanders and overseers within the land”. Solomon said rebellion and moral corruption within a country or nation has a multitude of rulers. 

The verse continues, “but a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.” Solomon added the words, “but a man of understanding” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover a person whether male or female who possesses perception, insight and discretion” “and knowledge” which means “discrimination, recognition, skill and perceptive experience” “the state thereof shall be prolonged” or “then and this being so the condition of the nation or country will endure, be made stable, continue and remain”. Solomon said a person who possesses perception, insight, skill and discrimination will cause a country or nation to endure. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how important it is for a people group, nation and country to keep themselves from rebellion and sin against God. Countries who refuse and reject the ways of God will not only have multitudes of leaders, but also suffer for their rebellious and nefarious ways. God wants us to be people of “understanding and knowledge”, and He will provide them to us when we believe and trust in His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. God gave us Jesus to forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and bless us according to the abundant leadership of His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and empower us to live according to that truth as we submit to Him. (See John 16:33; Acts 1:8)

Next time Solomon shares about, “the poor man that oppresses the poor”, 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".

The Wicked Fleeing - Proverbs 28:1

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field. And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse one of Proverbs Solomon said, “the wicked flee when no man pursues” where we read,

The wicked flee when no man pursues:

but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The verse begins, “The wicked flee when no man pursues:” Solomon began with the words, “the wicked flee” or “the people who are criminal, guilty of crimes, evil and hostile to God escape, depart, disappear and fly away” “when no man pursues” which means “at the time and moment not any person whether male or female chases, follows and runs after them”. Solomon said people who are evil and hostile to God run away at the time and moment no other person is chasing after them. 

The verse goes on to say, “but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Solomon continued with the words, “but the righteous”or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover people who are right, just, lawful and correct” “are as bold” which means “exist with trust, confidence and security” “as a lion” or “in likeness and similar to a young lion with a mane”. Solomon said people who are right and just have confidence and security similar to a young lion. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon how people who are criminal and evil run away even at the time no one else is chasing after them, however, the people who are right, just and lawful are confident and secure like the young and brave lion. God wants us to have confidence and faith in Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. When we surrender our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of being secure and safe through our personal relationship with Him. 

Next time Solomon says, “for the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof”, 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".

 

Enough Goat's Milk - Proverbs 27:27

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of the field”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-seven of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “goats' milk” where we read,

And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food,

for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.

The verse begins, “And you shall have goats' milk enough for your food, ...” Solomon began with the words, “and you shall have goats' milk” or “and you, Solomon's readers and listeners, will attain, possess and acquire the milk and cheese from female goats” “enough for your food” which means “sufficient and according to the abundance on behalf of your, Solomon's listeners and readers', bread, grain and victuals”. Solomon said when his readers and listeners attended to their flocks and fields, they would have a sufficient amount grain and victuals from the milk of their female goats. 

The verse continues, “... for the food of your household, and for the maintenance for your maidens.” Solomon added the words, “for the food” or “on behalf of the bread, grain and victuals” “of your household” which means “pertaining to your, Solomon's readers and listeners', dwelling, habitation, shelter and abode”, “and for the maintenance” or “and to continue the flowing, fresh, lively and active living” “for your maidens” which means “on behalf of your, Solomon's readers and listeners', damsels, female attendants, servants and maids”. Solomon said not only would his readers and listeners have sufficient victuals for themselves, but also for the members of their homes and maid servants. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how there is a benefit to attending to that which God has given us to oversee. Solomon's readers and listeners were to watch over their fields and flocks, and God has given us areas to take care of as well. When we are diligent to oversee God's provision to us, we will reap the rewards from doing so. God loves us, and He wants to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to care for His “flocks and fields” so we may receive the blessings within them. 

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Solomon say, “the wicked flee when no man pursues”, 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".

Lambs for Clothing - Proverbs 27:26

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, and the herbs of the mountains are gathered”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-six of Proverbs Solomon said, “the lambs are for your clothing” where we read,

The lambs are for your clothing,

and the goats are the price of the field.

The verse begins, “The lambs are for your clothing, ...” Solomon began with the words, “the lambs” or “the young sheep” “are for your clothing” which means “exist on behalf of your, Solomon's readers and listeners' garments and raiment”. Solomon said the young sheep were to be used for the clothing of his readers and listeners. 

The verse goes on to say, “... and the goats are the price of the field.” Solomon continued with the words, “and the goats” or “and the rams or he-goats” “are the price” which means “exist as the hire, reward and gain” “of the field” or “pertaining to the land, plain or cultivated ground”. Solomon said the rams or he-goats exist as the reward and gain of the land or cultivated ground. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how God the Heavenly Father has provided for people through his creation, and we are the beneficiaries of all He provides. God loves us, and He proved His love by sending His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of His provision through His creation. 

Next time Solomon shares about, “goat's milk”, 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".

Hay, Grass and Herbs - Proverbs 27:25

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds. For riches are not for ever: and does the crown endure to every generation?”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-five of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “hay, tender grass and herbs” where we read,

The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself,

and the herbs of the mountains are gathered.

The verse begins, “The hay appears, and the tender grass shows itself, ...” Solomon began with the words, “the hay appears” or “the green grass, herbage or leeks is made known, revealed and uncovered”, “and the tender grass” which means “and the vegetation and green herb” “shows itself” or “is caused to be seen, exhibited, revealed and made visible”. Solomon referred to the way “green grass and herbs” reveal themselves and make themselves known. 

The verse continues, “... and the herbs of the mountains are gathered.” Solomon added the words, “and the herbs” or “and the glistening green plants” “of the mountains” which means “belonging to hill country or range of hills” “are gathered” or “are taken up and collected”. Solomon also referred to the collection of glistening green plants upon the range of hills.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon thought about the way the green grass, vegetation and glistening plants not only make themselves known, but also are gathered and collected. God rules over His creation, and He employs people not only to see them, but also to gather them when harvest time comes. God loves people, and because He desires to live with us forever, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to be crucified 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 allow us to notice the vegetation He produces and to become His agents for gathering them according to His Divine purpose and plan. (See 4:35)

Next time Solomon says, “the lambs are for your clothing”, 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".

Riches are Not Forever - Proverbs 27:24

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Be you diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds”, and in chapter twenty-seven and verse twenty-four of Proverbs Solomon said, “riches are not forever” where we read,

For riches are not for ever:

and does the crown endure to every generation?

The verse begins, “For riches are not for ever:” Solomon began with the words, “for riches” or “because, since and on account that treasure and wealth” “are not for ever” which means “do not exist unto futurity, evermore, perpetually and for long duration”. Solomon said the reason his listeners and readers were to pay careful attention to their flocks and herds was because treasure and wealth would not last perpetually. 

The verse goes on to say, “and does the crown endure to every generation?” Solomon continued with the words, “and does the crown” or “and is it true that the consecration, coronation or enthronement” “endure to every generation” which means “last and remain to each, all, the whole and everyone of the periods, ages or posterity”? Solomon asked whether his readers and listeners thought that the coronation and rule of a person lasts throughout all periods and ages. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon why we are to attend to the gifts and belongings God Almighty gives to us. Because earthly wealth and treasures are temporary, God wants us to put our efforts and time into managing that which is eternal. 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”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put within us a desire to use the temporary treasures and authority He give us to gain His eternal wealth. (See Luke 16:11)

Next time Solomon shares about, “hay, tender grass and herbs”, 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".