When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. – Proverbs 16:7
You read the story of Jehoshaphat, who became king of Judah, in 2 Chronicles 17. “His heart was courageous in the ways of the Lord” (v. 6). He did not worship the Baals, but instead sent teachers to the cities of Judah to proclaim the “Book of the Law of the Lord” to the people. As a result, “the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, and they made no war against Jehoshaphat” (vv. 7-10). God was pleased with him and took care of Judah.
While goodness in your life may not be as far-reaching, it will definitely affect those around you. A kind word, a joyous attitude, patience, and faithful attention to the needs of others are all the fruit of the Spirit that are visible to your neighbors, a friend, or the person ahead of you in the grocery store line.
Truly, the one who is angry can be disarmed by your soft-spoken word. The God of peace can calm the hearts of humans and is able to bring together even those who have been far apart. He can turn those who have opposed you into being respectful of you as you live in obedience to God. The favor of God and the favor of men are joined together (Proverbs 3:4).
The God you trust and obey will give you the peace that only He can give. He is victorious and can bring your enemies to be at peace with you. Pray for governing officials today, that they might be “courageous in the ways of the Lord,” and experience His peace.
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the Lord,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-4, 20-22, 27-30
After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. 2 Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). 3 Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say,
“Give thanks to the Lord,
for his steadfast love endures forever.”
22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. 28 They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. 29 And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
