Proverbs 16:7

KJV

¶ When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

When a man's {H376} ways {H1870} please {H7521} the LORD {H3068}, he maketh even his enemies {H341} to be at peace {H7999} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When a man's ways please ADONAI, he makes even the man's enemies be at peace with him.

Berean Standard Bible

When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

American Standard Version

When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:7 articulates a profound spiritual principle: when an individual's entire life—their choices, conduct, and character—aligns with God's will and brings Him delight, the Lord Himself supernaturally intervenes to bring about harmony, even pacifying those who were once hostile. This verse highlights divine sovereignty over human relationships and circumstances, offering a remarkable promise of peace and security that transcends human effort or diplomacy, rooted solely in a life consecrated to Yahweh.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16 is a chapter deeply concerned with the sovereignty of God over human intentions and outcomes, a theme powerfully articulated in verses like [Proverbs 16:1](/proverbs/16-1 "Proverbs 16:1 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"), which states, "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD." Similarly, [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - God Directs Our Paths") declares, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps." Proverbs 16:7 fits seamlessly into this overarching theological framework, presenting a specific, powerful consequence of aligning one's "ways" with the Lord's pleasure. It follows a series of proverbs that emphasize the importance of righteousness, humility, and the fear of the Lord as foundational for a blessed life ([Proverbs 16:3-6](/proverbs/16-3-6 "Proverbs 16:3-6 - Committing Works to the Lord")). The verse thus serves as a compelling testament to the tangible benefits of a God-centered existence, where divine favor extends even to the realm of interpersonal conflict and animosity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, much like other cultures in the Near East, was characterized by strong tribal and familial loyalties, where concepts of honor and shame were paramount. Conflicts, feuds, and the presence of "enemies" were common and often persistent realities, frequently leading to cycles of vengeance or prolonged animosity. In such a social environment, the notion of one's enemies being "at peace" with them represented an extraordinary and highly desirable state, far beyond what typical human negotiation or power could achieve. This speaks to a divine intervention that transcends conventional social dynamics and human capabilities. The "ways" (Hebrew: _derek_) of a person were not merely isolated actions but encompassed their entire lifestyle, reputation, and moral character within the community. To "please the LORD" meant adhering to the covenant stipulations, living justly, and embodying the wisdom taught in the Torah and prophetic traditions, which was understood as the path to societal flourishing and divine blessing.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent throughout the book of Proverbs and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty**, particularly God's absolute control over human hearts and circumstances, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"), where "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Obedience and Divine Favor**, emphasizing that a life lived in accordance with God's commands and character brings about His delight and active blessing. This is not a transactional relationship but a natural consequence of walking in wisdom and righteousness. Thirdly, the proverb speaks to **Supernatural Peace and Security**, suggesting that true peace, even from adversaries, is not primarily achieved through human strength or strategic planning but through God's miraculous intervention on behalf of His faithful. This peace is a holistic concept, encompassing well-being, wholeness, and harmony (Hebrew: _shalom_), extending beyond the mere absence of conflict to a state of comprehensive flourishing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to tread," refers to a road or path. Figuratively, as used here, it signifies a person's course of life, their conduct, or their mode of action. It encompasses the entirety of one's moral and practical choices, emphasizing that it is the consistent pattern of one's life, not just isolated acts, that is under consideration for divine approval.
* **please (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** This primitive root means "to be pleased with," "to accept," "to delight in," or "to find favor." When a man's ways "please" the Lord, it implies that God approves of, takes pleasure in, and accepts their conduct and character. It suggests a deep satisfaction on God's part, indicating that the individual's life is in harmony with His divine will and nature, reflecting His righteousness.
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlam'_):** This root carries the fundamental meaning of being safe, complete, or whole. In this context, it denotes the restoration of harmony and the cessation of hostility. It is more than just the absence of conflict; it implies a state of wholeness, well-being, and reconciliation, supernaturally brought about by God. This _shalom_ is comprehensive, extending to one's relationships and circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When a man's ways please the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the fundamental condition for the divine promise. It refers to a person's entire lifestyle, conduct, and moral choices (Hebrew: _derek_). The emphasis is on a life that is not merely outwardly compliant but genuinely acceptable and delightful to God (Hebrew: _râtsâh_). This implies a heart posture of obedience, faith, and integrity that aligns with God's character and commands, moving beyond superficial actions to a deep resonance with His will.
* **"he maketh even his enemies":** This part highlights the active and sovereign agency of the Lord. It is God Himself (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh) who intervenes directly and powerfully. The inclusion of "even his enemies" (Hebrew: _ʼôyêb_) underscores the extraordinary nature of this intervention, as it involves overcoming genuine hostility and opposition, a feat far beyond human capability or persuasion. It speaks to God's ability to influence hearts and circumstances.
* **"to be at peace with him":** This final clause describes the miraculous outcome. The Lord causes these adversaries to cease their hostility and enter into a state of harmony and well-being (Hebrew: _shâlam_) with the individual. This "peace" can manifest in various ways: a literal change of heart in the enemies, a cessation of active opposition, a divine protection that renders their malice ineffective, or an overarching tranquility that surrounds the faithful, leading to a surprising and supernatural tranquility in their relationships.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:7 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message effectively. At its core, it functions as a **Conditional Statement**, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship: "If X (man's ways please the LORD), then Y (He makes enemies at peace)." This structure is characteristic of wisdom literature, presenting a principle for righteous living. The phrase "even his enemies" serves as a form of **Emphasis** or **Hyperbole**, underscoring the extraordinary and seemingly impossible nature of the peace being granted. It highlights the extent of God's power and favor, demonstrating His ability to transform even the most challenging relationships. Furthermore, the proverb utilizes **Anthropomorphism** by speaking of God being "pleased," attributing human-like emotions to the divine to help the reader grasp God's personal engagement with human conduct and His active delight in righteousness. The entire verse functions as a **Proverbial Maxim**, a concise, memorable statement of truth intended to guide moral and practical living, offering wisdom that transcends specific situations and applies broadly to life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:7 profoundly illustrates the principle that true security and flourishing are rooted in a right relationship with God, not in human strength, diplomacy, or strategic maneuvering. It emphasizes God's active involvement in the lives of those who honor Him, demonstrating His sovereignty not only over individual destinies but even over the dispositions of others. This divine intervention, turning adversaries into allies or at least pacifying them, is a testament to God's ultimate control and His benevolent care for His faithful. The proverb teaches that prioritizing God's pleasure leads to a peace that surpasses human understanding, a peace that is both internal and external, extending even to the most challenging relationships. It underscores that living a life pleasing to God is the surest path to experiencing His protective and harmonizing presence in every sphere.

* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God")
* [1 Peter 3:13](/1_peter/3-13 "1 Peter 3:13 - Suffering for Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb offers immense encouragement and a clear call to prioritize our spiritual walk above all else. In a world often characterized by conflict, competition, and animosity, the promise of peace, even from enemies, seems almost too good to be true. Yet, it underscores a fundamental truth: our greatest security and deepest peace come not from external circumstances or human efforts to control them, but from cultivating a life that genuinely delights the Lord. This means examining our "ways"—our daily choices, our character, our motivations, and our attitudes—and intentionally aligning them with God's revealed will. When we commit ourselves fully to Him, we release the burden of needing to defend ourselves, manipulate outcomes, or retaliate against wrongs, trusting instead in His sovereign power to work on our behalf. This divine peace may manifest as a literal change in our adversaries' hearts, a removal of their power to harm, or an internal tranquility that allows us to remain unperturbed by external hostility, knowing God is our ultimate defender and peace-giver.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific "ways" can I more intentionally seek to please the Lord in my daily life, beyond mere outward conformity?**
* **How does the promise of God pacifying my enemies impact my approach to conflict or difficult relationships, especially when I feel wronged?**
* **What fears or anxieties might I need to surrender to God, trusting Him to bring peace where I currently experience hostility or opposition?**
* **How might a deeper pursuit of God's pleasure lead to greater internal peace, regardless of external circumstances or the actions of others?**

### FAQ
**Does "maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him" mean I will never have enemies if I please God?**

Answer: Not necessarily. The proverb is a general principle of divine blessing and sovereignty, not an absolute guarantee against all forms of opposition or that believers will never face hostility. "Enemies" can refer to literal human adversaries, but also to difficult circumstances, opposition to one's calling, or even internal struggles that hinder peace. The "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_) God grants is comprehensive, encompassing well-being, wholeness, and security. It may mean God literally changes the hearts of your adversaries, or it may mean He neutralizes their ability to harm you, or it may mean He grants you an inner peace that transcends external conflict, as Jesus promised in [John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace"). The ultimate promise is that God will work on behalf of those who please Him, ensuring their ultimate good and His glory, even in the face of opposition, and that their deepest peace is found in Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:7 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb speaks of an individual's ways pleasing the Lord, it is Christ alone whose ways perfectly and perpetually pleased the Father. At His baptism, the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Baptism of Jesus")). Jesus perfectly embodied the "man whose ways please the LORD," living a life of absolute obedience and righteousness. Yet, paradoxically, His perfect life led not to earthly peace with His human enemies, but to their ultimate hostility and His crucifixion. However, through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Jesus achieved a far greater and more foundational peace: He reconciled humanity to God, transforming us from spiritual enemies of God ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciliation Through Christ")) into His beloved children. The peace He offers is not merely the cessation of human conflict, but _shalom_ with God, a comprehensive well-being that overcomes the ultimate enemies: sin, death ([1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy is Death")), and the power of the devil. Furthermore, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christ enables believers to live lives that increasingly please the Father, and in doing so, we experience a measure of His peace, even amidst opposition, knowing that "if God be for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")). The promise of Proverbs 16:7 is thus fulfilled in Christ's perfect life, His reconciling death, and His ongoing work in believers, bringing true peace with God and often, surprisingly, with others.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 8:31

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

1 John 3:22

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.

Colossians 1:10

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

2 Chronicles 17:10

¶ And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that [were] round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

Jeremiah 15:11

The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well] in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

Hebrews 13:21

Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Genesis 33:4

And Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept.