Proverbs 16:7
“When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
Explanation and Commentary of Proverbs 16:7
The entire Book of Proverbs is a book of principles about the way the world under God generally works. When Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you” (Mt 6:33), he was saying the same thing more broadly. For the believer what is needed is to trust in God and follow his ways because of our love for him. In this way, it is not necessary to worry about anything, including our enemies, because when we align with God for his purposes, our enemies are his enemies. We are called to love our enemies (Mt 5:44) because we have the luxury of allowing God to be the judge and the one who carries out vengeance. This is a great act of faith on the part of the believer and will result in a life of blessing and abundance.
However, this does not mean there will be no trouble whatsoever. Jesus promised that we would have trouble in the world, but that we should take heart because he had overcome it (Jn 16:33). Jesus also modeled a life that was perfectly obedient to God, and the Lord could only have taken pleasure in all of his ways. The Father indeed caused Christ’s enemies to “make peace with” him, but only after they persecuted and murdered him. Some of his enemies came to faith in their lifetimes, others will only bow the knee as they go to their own judgment (Phil 2:10-11). If Christ suffered at the hands of men, we should not be surprised if we also may from time to time suffer the same. Nevertheless, even if that happens, all will ultimately be made right, and we will live for eternity in perfect peace with no enemies in sight.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Proverbs 16:7
#1 “When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,”
In a very important way, it is impossible for “the Lord to take pleasure” in the ways of man. As Isaiah said, “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away” (Isa 64:6). But in Christ, the Lord sees us very differently. He has counted us right with him by the blood of his Son. The good works we do in Christ bring God glory and pleasure (Eph 2:10).
#2 “he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
God accomplishes this by moving the hearts of their enemies, by defeating their enemies, or by finally judging their enemies on the last day. The Lord defends his children, particularly when our hearts are fully devoted to him (2 Chron 16:9).
Expert Overview of Proverbs
Biblical Translations of Proverbs 16:7
NIV
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
NLT
When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.
ESV
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
KJV
When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
NKJV
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.