Proverbs 16

I was reading in another of my blogs and found this post. I don't post in that blog anymore. I just don't have the time. So, I figured I would post it here. 

Proverbs 16:7

"When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."  

The reason I liked this verse was because how often does that happen? How often are we so right with God that even the people who hate us can't find wrong in us? How often do we live in such great harmony with the Lord that our enemies can't help but be kind to us? I think it's because when we are living lives that are pleasing to God, we have a happy countenance (we look happy and joyful), we speak kindly (we don't have anything unkind or negative to say), we love our neighbors as well as enemies (we are always looking to help others and see how we can show God to them in the way we interact with them), and we avoid conflict (we don't stick around while gossip is around, we don't react to people, but rather respond in love and kindness). It's hard to be mean to someone who is always nice to you. You may not like them for some reason, but you can't actually be mean to them if they aren't being mean to you. But, who are our enemies? They can be anyone! 

1. Sibling

2. Parents (sad, but true sometimes)

3. Coworker

4. Boss

5. Spouse

6. Child  (in my mind, I am thinking teenager and young adult)

7. Neighbors

Just remember this verse and your enemies will disappear or at least will be at peace with you. And isn't that what we want? Peace? That's what I want in my home. Peace, harmony, love, respect, and cooperation. Perhaps I need to be more vigilant to live my life to please God and my "enemies" will be at peace with me. 

Proverbs 16:12

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wicked acts, for a throne is established on righteousness." 

When I read this verse, my mind didn't drive to King Solomon or Kind David. My mind immediately went to me as a Mother. And even though this verse says "kings", I think it could be applied to any person in authority. Our authority is given to us by God and God is a righteous God. How can we commit wicked deeds towards our "subjects"? Every action we take affects someone. And if we are in authority over someone, then our actions affect those we are in authority over. My sins as well as my actions that are pleasing to God affect my children and therefore every sin I commit is against my children (as well as God, of course). God says it's an abomination for me to commit sin against my children because He, as a righteous God, has put me in authority over them and therefore my position is a righteous position. It's humbling and scary to think about. 

Proverbs 16:21

"The wise in heart will be called understanding, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness."

Have you ever tried to convince someone of something in a heated way? How far did you get? Probably not far at all. When I am trying to get Ben to do something my way, or I am trying to convince him that a certain way is a better way to go, I get farther with him (and most of the time "win" the debate) when I am calm, collected, and respectful. But on those times when I am being contentious and I argue loudly with him I don't get very far and I don't get what I want. He will tune me out when I start to get loud or if I use unkind words. I don't blame him! If someone were trying to get me to see their point of view and were yelling at me, I would just get angry with them and not listen to a word they said. But this verse says that when our speech is sweet, or kind and calm, that our persuasiveness is increased. That can go for our children as well. When I am trying to get Seth to do something, though he does it no matter what tone of voice I use or what words I use, he is more likely to do it happily if I use kind words. If I want him to eat this huge plate of veggies, I will fare better if I persuade him with sweet speech to eat it than I will if I bark at him to eat his veggies or else. 

Proverbs 16:24

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."

This is so true! I don't know how many times Ben has come home feeling grumpy or upset about something and I comforted him and helped him feel better by speaking pleasantly to him and showing him love. I don't know how many times I've been upset about something and Ben has the right thing to say to me to make me feel better. But, more than that...depression, anxiety, and stress can cause physical ailments. And if pleasant words help us feel better, then they are truly healing. 

Well, those are the verses that spoke to me today. If you want, you can tell me what verses in that chapter speak out to you.