When God's Pleasure Transforms Enemies Into Peace

Proverbs 16:7 presents two blessed fruits of a gracious life: acceptance with God, and peace with men as its consequence. The subject—"a man's ways"—encompasses his entire carriage through life: thoughts, speeches, and actions combined. When a man walks in the world's beaten track without turning his feet unto God's testimonies, neither he nor his ways can please the Lord. Conversely, when he walks conscientiously in God's ways, both the man and his conduct become well-pleasing unto Adonai.

The act of pleasing God differs from mere human approval. With men, pleasing signifies the event of finding acceptance; in moral terms before God, it emphasizes the endeavour and intention. Where desire is unfeigned and effort faithful, good assurance follows.

The object matters supremely: some men strive to please themselves, others to please men, but we must endeavour to please God—our Master, Captain, Father, and King. One great benefit attaches to this obedience: He will make our enemies be at peace with us. Additionally, He preserves us from sinful temptation, answers our prayers, and translates us into His heavenly kingdom.

Conversely, the wicked man who displeases God strengthens his enemies' hands, exposes himself to temptation, blocks his own prayers, and debars himself from the kingdom.

How is God's pleasure accomplished? Through likeness and obedience—desiring holiness as He is holy, perfection as He is perfect, mercy as the heavenly Father is merciful.