Proverbs 16:7

As I came across another verse circled in Souter’s Bible this afternoon, Proverbs 16:7, I was reminded of a story Souter told on a few occasions. As a young boy, Souter attended a one room schoolhouse (I’m assuming the one on Mt. Hope Road) along with other students in varying grades. If I remember correctly, there was a boy one grade older than him that consistently picked on him. He would call Souter names and take food from Souter’s packed sack lunch. This routine continued day after day and as it would anyone, the bullying began to bother Souter. When he returned home one day after another incident, he shared with his mother about what had happened and asked for her advice.

Let me insert for any kids reading. Please don’t miss the wisdom here of seeking godly advice from your parents if you are fortunate enough to be in that situation.

Souter’s mother suggested he go out to the orchard and find the shiniest, best looking apple he could find. Then, the very next day, she recommended he give it as a gift to his “bully.” Souter did what his mother told him and soon Souter and this boy became good friends, in fact I think I remember Souter saying, “the best of friends.”

To most people and especially the unbelieving world, her advice would seem very “upside down,” but that’s God’s kingdom.

So now let’s take a look at Proverbs 16:7, which reads, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Let’s start with the word “enemy” and work our way out from there. I think it’s important to note that this passage isn’t saying that we will never have enemies. In fact, I think the opposite is true. Scripture is clear and consistent throughout that if we choose to follow Jesus, we can be certain to face persecution. Paul in his writing to Timothy couldn’t be any more direct and transparent, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Those that oppose us might come from within our own family or our circle of “so-called” friends. I mean, Jesus Himself had enemies and had his very own betray him for thirty pieces of silver, right? So then what are we to make of this proverb?

Here’s my take. When we walk in ways that please the Lord, I think our enemies notice. God uses our godly actions to work in the hearts of our enemies and love just has a way of touching “the hard heart.” I also believe, unadmittedly perhaps, the ungodly desire how we live. However, most often, there remains a refusal to accept Christ because it requires saying a big “NO” to self and the desires of sin. Even yet, real Christianity has a honesty, a joy, a freedom, a love and a peace that is beautiful. When we walk in the ways of the Lord, God is working behind the scenes upgrading our troubles for peace.

For me, Souter’s simple action created an opportunity to renew a friendship. When we choose to love others, in spite of the harm they may cause us, God is pleased.

So who is “taking your lunch” right now? Where is the conflict in your life coming from? Would you be brave enough, loving enough—dare I say Christian enough—to respond graciously and allow God to do His work to bring about peace. All it takes is finding the shiniest, best looking apple.