Some time after Isaac was chased away by Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, he was surprised to see Abimelech coming to him. Abimelech’s men explained, “We see plainly that the Lord has been with you. So we said, let there be a sworn pact between us” (Genesis 26:28).
Later, when Jacob was pursued by Laban, God appeared to Laban and warned him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad” (Genesis 31:24). Esau’s heart was also changed to make peace with his brother Jacob (Genesis 33:4).
David also experienced the truth of this proverb in his life. After the death of his rebellious son Absalom, the people of Judah and Israel gave their loyalty back to David (2 Samuel 19:1–43).
When the Babylonians took Jerusalem, King Nebuchadnezzar gave command that Jeremiah had to be protected and cared for (Jeremiah 39:11–12).
By all of these examples, we are encouraged to obey God rather than men. Let it be our first priority to please the Lord, even in times of pressure and persecution.
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.