Making Enemies to Be at Peace

Commentary

This verse states that unrepentant sin “shall not go unpunished” (v. 5). God makes use of the wicked to execute righteous vengeance on each other; and he will be glorified by their destruction at last. Though sinners strengthen themselves and one another, they shall not escape God’s judgments. The only way to avoid such an encounter with God’s wrath can be accomplished living a Godly life through His “mercy and truth"(v. 6). Experience proves that nothing succeeds like success. When a person pleases the Lord, by avoiding evil, and living Godly, “He makes even his enemies to be at peace with Him” (v.7).

We live in a world that tells us riches and the things it can buy should be man’s chief goal in life. A small estate, honestly obtained, will turn out to be a better investment than a great estate ill-gotten (v. 8). If men make Godly living their goal in life, and His will their rule, He will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace (v. 9). Let kings and judges of the earth be just, and rule in the fear of God (vv. 10-11). Mercy and truth will always lead a man to the fear of the Lord, which will allow him to escape the compelling attraction of evil. As a sinner we must continually cry out for mercy and not for justice. If we got what we deserved we would spend eternity in Hell separated from God forever and ever.

Application

Have you ever known someone who lived such a Godly life that you just loved to be around them and felt secure in their presence? I would like to be this type of person? This can only be accomplished by crying out for His mercy and saturating myself with His truth.