Proverbs 16:7: When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Insight
I have wrestled with this proverb a great deal, and I have searched what other men have had to say on this. Do you mean to tell me that if your ways please Jehovah, you will not have an enemy? Well, if that were true, then God wouldn’t have an enemy, and He does have an enemy. My interpretation is that if your ways please Jehovah, then your enemy may hate you; and, by the way, he will hate you. But the interesting thing is that, when the chips are down, these folk will admit that God is using you. That’s the important thing. One of the nicest things that has been said about me in Southern California was said by a man who very frankly says he hates me. He said, “I hate him, but he teaches the Word of God.” I say, “Thank you, Mr. Enemy.” 1
Application
In Daniel 6:4–5, we see what happens when we choose to please God each day.
“…but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him…”
How can a holy, humble walk silence your worst foes? Instead of thinking of ways to retaliate, resign yourself to surrendering your will. Then make it your aim to just please God. Can you learn to be free from the bondage of trying to please the world?
Motivation
And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 1 John 3:22
Pleasing God is all you have to do today. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, may I find the deeper joy in pleasing You in all that I do.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
