Proverbs 16:7
Proverbs 16:7 in Multiple Translations
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When a man’s ways please Jehovah, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his haters be at peace with him.
When the way that people live pleases the Lord, he makes even their enemies be at peace with them.
When the wayes of a man please the Lord, he will make also his enemies at peace with him.
When a man's ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.
When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
When the ways of man shall please the Lord, he will convert even his enemies to peace.
When our behavior pleases Yahweh, he even causes our enemies to act peacefully toward us.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 16:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 16:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּ/רְצ֣וֹת
יְ֭הוָה
דַּרְכֵי
אִ֑ישׁ
גַּם
א֝וֹיְבָ֗י/ו
יַשְׁלִ֥ם
אִתּֽ/וֹ
בִּ/רְצ֣וֹת
râtsâh
H7521
to accept
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
way
N-cp
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
א֝וֹיְבָ֗י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
enemy
V-Qal | Suff
יַשְׁלִ֥ם
shâlam
H7999
to complete
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 16:7
בִּ/רְצ֣וֹת
râtsâh
H7521
"to accept"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.
Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
דַּרְכֵי
derek
H1870
"way"
N-cp
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
א֝וֹיְבָ֗י/ו
ʼôyêb
H341
"enemy"
V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
יַשְׁלִ֥ם
shâlam
H7999
"to complete"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to be at peace or to make peace with someone. It is used in the Bible to describe a state of safety or friendship. In the KJV, it is translated as 'make amends' or 'be at peace'.
Definition: 1) to be complete, be sound 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be complete, be finished, be ended 1a2) to be sound, be uninjured 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to complete, finish 1b2) to make safe 1b3) to make whole or good, restore, make compensation 1b4) to make good, pay 1b5) to requite, recompense, reward 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be performed 1c2) to be repaid, be requited 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to complete, perform 1d2) to make an end of Aramaic equivalent: she.lam (שְׁלֵם "be complete" H8000)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 44:4; Psalms 7:5; Psalms 22:26.
אִתּֽ/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
Study Notes — Proverbs 16:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 16:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
- Sermons on Proverbs 16:7
Context — The Reply of the Tongue Is from the LORD
5Everyone who is proud in heart is detestable to the LORD; be assured that he will not go unpunished.
6By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.
7When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.
8Better a little with righteousness than great gain with injustice. 9A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 8:31 | What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? |
| 2 | 1 John 3:22 | and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. |
| 3 | Colossians 1:10 | so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 17:10 | And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 15:11 | The LORD said: “Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will intercede with your enemy in your time of trouble, in your time of distress. |
| 6 | Hebrews 13:21 | equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. |
| 7 | Genesis 33:4 | Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. |
| 8 | Genesis 32:28 | Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men, and you have prevailed.” |
| 9 | Colossians 3:20 | Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. |
| 10 | Acts 9:19–20 | and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” |
Proverbs 16:7 Summary
This verse means that when we live our lives in a way that pleases God, He can even bring peace between us and those who are against us. This doesn't mean that everyone will always get along with us, but it does mean that God can work in the hearts of others to bring about peace and harmony, as we see in examples like Proverbs 15:1. By living in obedience to God's commands and principles, we can trust Him to work out our relationships and circumstances, as promised in Romans 8:28. As we seek to please the Lord, we can have confidence that He will guide and direct us, even in difficult situations, and bring about peace and blessing in our lives, as taught in Philippians 4:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a man's ways to please the Lord?
This means that the person is living in obedience to God's commands and principles, as seen in Proverbs 16:6, and is demonstrating a heart of loving devotion and faithfulness, which is pleasing to the Lord, as stated in Psalm 37:23.
Can this verse promise that all our enemies will always be at peace with us if we please the Lord?
While Proverbs 16:7 does promise that God can bring peace between us and our enemies, it does not guarantee that all our enemies will always be at peace with us, as we see in examples like David's life in 1 Samuel 18:10-11, where he still faced persecution despite his devotion to God.
How can we know if our ways are pleasing to the Lord?
We can know if our ways are pleasing to the Lord by examining our hearts and actions in light of Scripture, such as in Psalm 139:23-24, and seeking to live a life of obedience and faithfulness to Him, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Is this verse only applicable to our relationships with other people?
While Proverbs 16:7 specifically mentions our enemies, the principle of pleasing the Lord and experiencing His blessing can be applied to all areas of our lives, including our relationship with God, as seen in John 14:21-23, and our relationships with others, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can demonstrate loving devotion and faithfulness to the Lord in my daily life, and how might this impact my relationships with others?
- Have I experienced a situation where God brought peace between me and someone who was opposed to me, and what can I learn from that experience?
- In what ways can I prioritize pleasing the Lord in my actions and decisions, even when it's difficult or unpopular, and how can I trust Him to work out the consequences?
- How does the promise of Proverbs 16:7 encourage me to persevere in living a life that is pleasing to the Lord, even in the face of opposition or adversity?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the Lord,.... As they do when a man walks according to the rule of his word; when he walks as he has Christ for an example; when he walks after the Spirit, and not after the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
By disposing their hearts to kindness towards him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
Proverbs 16:7 When a man’ s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. Ver. 7. When a man’ s ways please the Lord.] Sin is the only make-bait that sets God and man at difference. Now, when God is displeased, all his creatures are up in arms to fetch in his rebels, and to do execution. "Who then would set the briars and thorns against him in battle? Would he not go through them? Would he not burn them together? Let him then take hold of my strength, saith God, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me." And not with God only, but with the creature too, that gladly takes his part, and is at his beck and check. Laban followed Jacob with one troop, Esau met him with another, both with hostile intentions. But God so wrought for Jacob, whom he had chosen, that Laban leaves him with a kiss, Esau meets him with a kiss.
Of the one he hath an oath, tears of the other - peace with both. Who shall need to fear men that is in league with God?
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
(7) When a man’s ways please the Lord . . .—Comp. Genesis 26:28; 2 Chronicles 17:10-11.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
Verse 7. When a man's ways please the Lord] God is the guardian and defence of all that fear and love him; and it is truly astonishing to see how wondrously God works in their behalf, raising them up friends, and turning their enemies into friends.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 16:7
Goodness has power to charm and win even enemies to itself.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 16:7
7. A man’s ways, etc. — A general truth, not to be rigidly interpreted. Good men are sometimes persecuted, and otherwise suffer; but even this shall work for their good, according to the promise contained in Romans 8:28.
Sermons on Proverbs 16:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Placing Your Enemies in the Hands of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's word in order to receive His blessings. He tells a story using the imagery of different trees represent |
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A Life of Peace by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 6 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a clear understanding of the outline of the Bible. He mentions that the book of Isaiah can be divided into three part |
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Our Gracious God by Brain Brodersen by Brian Brodersen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the right concept of God for our spiritual well-being, highlighting God's desire to bless, keep, smile upon, be gracious, be attenti |
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(Proverbs) ch.16:5 - 17:4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a little bit of money gained honestly rather than accumulating great wealth through dishonest means. The fear of the |
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The Word of God (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and importance of the Word of God. He highlights that the Word of God sanctifies, renews the mind, and separates believers from th |
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09 New Wine in New Wineskins God Will Exalt Us in His Time by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of passing on the teachings of faith from one generation to the next, focusing on the need for godly leaders to entrust their knowledge to fai |