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…

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".

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…

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". 

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…

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". 

Not Good to Have Respect of Persons - Proverbs 28:21

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-one of Proverbs Solomon said, “to have respect of persons is not good” where we read,

To have respect of persons is not good:

for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.

The verse begins, “To have respect of persons is not good:” Solomon began with the words, “to have respect of persons” or “to hold, own and possess regard, special attention and partiality to the faces and presence of people whether male or female” “is not good” which means “does not exist as pleasant, agreeable, excellent and valuable”. Solomon said having regard and partiality toward people is not pleasant, agreeable or valuable. 

The verse continues, “for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.” Solomon added the words, “for for a piece of bread” or “because, since and on account that on behalf of a fragment, bit or morsel of grain, meat or foot” “that man will transgress” which means “the person to whom special attention is given shall revolt, rebel and offend”. Solomon said the person to whom special attention is paid will rebel and offend for a bit or morsel of “bread” or food. 

When we think through words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how it is not pleasant or valuable to give special attention and partiality to people, and at the time they are in great hunger, they will do wrong to obtain a fragment of food regardless of who they are. God knows the true nature of every person, and He does not have respect of persons. Because we all have sin and come short of the glory of God, (See Romans 3:23) 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 teach us to regard every person in a similar manner while we realize most people “transgress” when they are starving. (See Romans 2:11; James 2:1)

Next time Solomon says, “he that hastes to be rich has an evil eye”, 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 Faithful Man Abounding with Blessings - Proverbs 28:20

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty of Proverbs Solomon said, “a faithful man shall abound with blessings” where we read,

A faithful man shall abound with blessings:

but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

The verse begins, “A faithful man shall abound with blessings:” Solomon began with the words, “a faithful man” or “a firm, steadfast, secure and truthful person whether male or female” “shall abound with blessings” which means “will be exceedingly strong with prosperity, benedictions, rewards and gifts”. Solomon said a person who is steadfast and trustworthy will have numerous gifts and prosperity. 

The verse goes on to say, “but he that makes haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Solomon continued with the words, “but he that makes haste to be rich” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person whether male or female who hurries, labors and presses forward to wealth, gain and accumulation” “shall not be innocent” which means “will in no way or manner be free, empty, pure and unpunished”. Solomon said the person who rushes to be wealthy will get into trouble and be punished. 

When we meditate upon words in this verse, we learn through Solomon that there is a difference in the results obtained by a person who is steadfast and trustworthy versus a person who hurries to be wealthy. In other words, we have a choice. We can be “faithful” or “hasty” to receive “blessings” from Jehovah God. God owns everything, (See Psalm 24:1) and He distributes His belongings according to His perfect plan and will. He desires to have a personal relationship with us through His Son Jesus who was crucified on the cross for our sins, and when we surrender to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will direct us not only in that which we receive but also in our demeanor as we gain them.

Next time Solomon says, “to have respect of persons is not good”, 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".

Plenty of Bread - Proverbs 28:19

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse nineteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that tills his land shall have plenty of bread” where we read,

He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread:

but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.

The verse begins, “He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread:” Solomon began with the words, “he that tills his land” or “the person whether male or female who works, labors and serves their ground or field” “shall have plenty of bread” which means “will be satisfied, sated and fulfilled with grain or food”. Solomon said the person who works and labors within their field will be satisfied with food. 

The verse continues, “but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough.” Solomon added with the words, “but he that follows after vain persons” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person whether male or female who pursues, runs after and chases people who are empty, idle and worthless” “shall have poverty enough” which means “will hold, own and possess impoverishment and poorness”. Solomon said the person who pursues empty and worthless people will possess impoverishment. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how a person who works in their field will harvest a good crop of food, however, the person who chases after empty and idle people will reap impoverishment. God wants us to be diligent in our area of work, and when we align ourselves with Him and His ways through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, we shall be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with the desire to work in our “fields” and to distance ourselves from people who are idle and worthless. 

Next time Solomon says, “a faithful man shall abound with blessings”, 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 Salvation of the Upright - Proverbs 28:18

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse eighteen of Proverbs Solomon said, “whoso walks uprightly shall be saved” where we read,

Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved:

but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.

The verse begins, “Whoso walks uprightly shall be saved:” Solomon began with the words, “whoso walks uprightly” or “whatever person whether male or female who ambles about and makes their way in a complete, whole, entire and sound manner with integrity” “shall be saved” which means “will be rescued, delivered and liberated”. Solomon said the person who makes their way in a complete and sound manner will be rescued and delivered. 

The verse goes on to say, “but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.” Solomon continued with the words, “but he that is perverse in his ways” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the person whether male or female who exists as twisted, crooked and distorted” “shall fall at once” which means “will suddenly be prostrated, cast down and destroyed”. Solomon said the person who lives in a twisted and distorted manner will suddenly be cast down and ruined. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon how the persons who makes their way with integrity will be delivered, however, the person who is crooked and distorted will suddenly be destroyed. God wants a personal intimate relationship with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins, 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 live with integrity which avoids the crooked person who will be destroyed. 

Next time Solomon says, “he that tills his land shall have plenty of bread”, 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 Man that Does Violence - Proverbs 28:17

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the prince that wants understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hates covetousness shall prolong his days”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse seventeen of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “a man that does violence” where we read,

A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit;

let no man stay him.

The verse begins, “A man that does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit;” Solomon began with the words, “a man that does violence” or “a person whether male or female who oppresses, defrauds, exploits and performs wrong” “to the blood of any person” which means “toward bloodshed belonging to any human being whether male or female” “shall flee to the pit” or “will escape, depart and be put to flight toward the cistern, fountain or well”. Solomonsaid the person who performs wrong toward the blood of another “person” will be put to flight toward a fountain or well. 

The verse continues, “let no man stay him.” Solomon added the words, “let no man” or “allow and person not any person whether male or female” “stay him” which means “grasp, hold, support, protect and lay hold of the person”. Solomon said not to support or protect the person who torments and exploits the blood of others.

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how a person who performs wrong toward the“blood” of another human being will be put to flight toward a cistern or well, and they are not to be protected on their way. God will carry out vengeance upon people who do wrong to others, (See Isaiah 63:4; Romans 12:19) however He desires to save people from their sinful ways. God loves people, and He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When we surrender our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and keep us from the bloodshed of others to whom He shall certainly repay. 

Next time Solomon says, “whoso walks uprightly shall be saved”, 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".