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NASB | Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Proverbs 16:7 When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. |
Bible Question:
In the literary style of the NASB and the NKJ, the "He makes" in the verse is capitalized. However, because of this style of capitalizing after a comma or especially a semi-colon, the word (although capitalized) is not always talking of Deity. What is your interpretation in this verse? I believe that God is active and doing things with us, so I would also capitalize the "He" as talking about Deity. MacArthur in his notes for this verse talks about "persecution" and connects these passages for consideration: 2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:18-21, Acts 14:22-27. What are your thoughts about persecution and can all of this be connected to Proverbs 16:4 and how we interpret that verse as well? From the heart, Ray |
Bible Answer: Greetings Ray, It is a great joy to speak with you again about these things! I hope that all is going well with you, and I pray that the Lord continues to guide you as He is always faithful. After examining Proverbs 16:7, I have noticed that the NKJV also capitalizes "He", but the undertone of Deity is obscured in this verse by the fact that both translations, the NASB and NKJV, often capitalize when new thoughts appear (see v. 17 for instance) in addition to capitalizing whenever Deity is referenced or when a sentence starts. Those thoughts aside, I think of John 21:15-23 when Jesus says (v. 22), "If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me." [NKJV] Those who are suffering persecution for our Lord keep their minds on only one thing- the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And as long as Christ is at the center of our minds and focus, then no weapon formed against us shall prosper; no enemy or sin can separate us from the love of Christ; the enemy will flee in seven different directions; and even those who persecute us- even they- will be made to be at peace with us, because they will be won over with the spoken word of our testimony. Blessings to you my friend, Makarios |