Proverbs 16:7 says, “When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.”
I took a fresh look at this verse after my friend mentioned it to me during our prayer meeting at a cafe in town. After our meeting, I did a research about the verse online and this led me to commentaries from bible scholars and it reminded me as well of a political quotation.
Mid-19th century British Prime Minister Henry John Temple was quoted as saying that “We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow.”
Outside of politics, in the areas of business and work, we don’t have permanent enemies or friends as well, only permanent interests. In this competitive world, our interests are always number one. A nation’s interest is of paramount importance especially on matters involving security. Individually, we need to protect our business or work because it is our source of livelihood.
In the Old Testament times, God has given Israel periods when they enjoyed peace from their enemies. Those were the days when they repented and chose to obey God. The Lord deals in the same way with His children in the present time. Proverbs 16:7 says that when our lives are pleasing to God, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.
So while our business or professional relationships may take twists or turns, we can trust God to protect our interests and turn things to our favour because He is in control.
Barnes explains this verse, by saying that “Goodness has power to charm and win even enemies to itself.” Matthew Henry in his commentary points out that “He that has all hearts in his hand, can make a man’s enemies to be at peace with him.”
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