ENEMIES LIVE AT PEACE WITH US
When a man’s ways please the LORD,
He makes even the man’s enemies live at peaceH7999 with him.
Proverbs 16:7
This is the first time we have seen a slightly different Hebrew word for peace. It is still a derivative of “shalom,” but the word used here seems to indicate feeling safe because there is a peace treaty in effect. The context is that God causes there to be peace between the man and his enemies.
The Hebrew word used for “peace” is defined in The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament:
H7999. šālam: A verb meaning to be safe, to be completed. The primary meaning is to be safe or uninjured in mind or body (Job 8:6; 9:4). This word is normally used when God is keeping His people safe. In its simple form, this verb also means to be completed or to be finished. This could refer to something concrete such as a building (1 Kgs. 7:51); or things more abstract, such as plans (Job 23:14). Other meanings of this verb include to be at peace with another person (Ps. 7:4[5]); to make a treaty of peace (Josh. 11:19; Job 5:23); to pay, to give a reward (Ps. 62:12[13]); to restore, repay, or make retribution (Ex. 21:36; Ps. 37:21). (28)
The ESV Reformation Study Bible has the following note on verse 7:
16:7 please the Lord. Following God’s way has reconciling and healing effects on personal relationships. (29)
The Expositor’s Bible Commentary explains verse 7 a bit more in detail:
7 Peaceful conduct. The subject matter of the verse is “a man’s ways” that are “pleasing” to the Lord. The question is: who is the subject of the second clause? The appropriate choice is the “man” and his “ways”—it is his godly lifestyle that disarms the enemies. A life that pleases God will be above reproach and find favor with others. This is part of God’s plan for rewards. But we must remember that like many proverbs, this one must not be pressed to universal applications (cf. 2Ti 3:12 for a contrasting statement). (30)
2 Timothy 3:12 (ESV) Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted . . .
We are only able to please God when we know Him intimately because we have trusted in His Son Jesus to reconcile us to the Father. His Holy Spirit empowers us to choose obedience on a daily basis. The Holy Spirit enables us to live a life pleasing to God, but we still have the responsibility to wisely choose to follow His prompting.
John 15:5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
When we surrender control to the Holy Spirit who lives within us as Christ-followers, we will exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These character traits can disarm our enemies as God uses them to touch their hearts. As pointed out above, there will be those who are determined to persecute believers. However, in our daily interactions with our neighbors, co-workers, etc., our consistent walk with the Lord will enable us to live at peace.
How can our ways please the Lord? They are pleasing to Him when we walk in His ways. Perhaps we can begin each day by praying along with the psalmist: “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths.” (Psalm 25:4) and obeying what He reveals to us.
Father, help us to consistently walk in Your ways and stay on the path You have chosen for us. Grow us up to look more and more like Jesus in our conduct. Thank You for placing Your Spirit within us to guide us.