Psalm 7:17 (ESV)

17 I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High.

In the fact that whoever plans misfortune for others, will come to stumble himself, the poet or the person who prays sees the just actions of God. That is why he praises him. And in that praise, his thankfulness is enclosed. That is where praising and thanking become one. Whoever lives in fear, due to enmity, may always seek refuge by the Highest Judge. Psalm 125:1–5 reflects on this beautifully: trusting in the Lord is being like a mountain—to be certain that wickedness will fail; that the Lord will bring peace upon Israel.

In the New Testament, enmity for a Christian is different than for the Old Testament Israelite.

Peter encourages us to be watchful against the enemy, Satan, in 1 Peter 5:8 where it reads: Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

At times, it is difficult to see the difference between piety and the lie. See 2 Timothy 3:5, under the heading Godlessness in the Last Days where Paul warns against all kinds of godless behaviour …having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people (see also Jude 1:4 and Jude 1:16).

Whoever follows Jesus must also follow him in the spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:10–18b gives firm directions for this take up the whole armor of God…praying at all times. But also note how Jesus deals with his enemies. We live in the new covenant for which Jesus is the guarantor (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 8:13). Enemies of the church and the cross may now also come to know the love of God through the Spirit.