“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov. 16:7 NKJ).
This verse is a great help to those who work alongside others who are hostile, perverse, sarcastic, antagonistic, or demonized. It is an assurance that one can get on with his job and his responsibilities without continuous friction or daily hassle.
In the Greek language Bible (LXX) the word translated enemy is echthros (ekh-thros’). When the Bible speaks of our enemy, it is referring to anyone who is opposed to our forward progress or who stands against us as a foe or adversary.
Our enemy is one who hates us or is hostile to us. This word is used mainly as a reference to Satan, but also includes his human subjects who have nothing in common with the subjects of Christ.
When you as a Christian go to work on a job with non-believers, there is immediately produced a friction or a conflict because there can be no natural harmony between light and darkness, truth and error, purity and impurity, love and hate, good and evil. But despite this situation, according to this verse it is possible to have perfect peace in the midst of such potential turmoil.
I have worked on jobs where other employees lied, cheated, stole tools, drank on the job, and were very lustful and profanely vulgar. This verse helped me to do my job, keep my mind on my work and my heart tender toward the Lord.
It helped me to remain peaceful in an unfriendly atmosphere. When we read this passage, it is as though the Lord is saying to us, “Since you please Me, I will cause your enemies to leave you alone.” Try it; it works!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.