Proverbs 16:7-8 NIV: When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, He causes their enemies to make peace with them. Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

In another translation: When people’s lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them. Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest (Proverbs 16:7-8 NLT)

In this passage, we can see two benefits that we can get when we please God:

1. Peace (v.7) – When our hearts are right with God, and our behavior is in tune with God’s word. We get this peace that transcends all understanding and will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). This kind of peace that us, mothers want to have especially with our children (where in this generation that violence is everywhere, gangs, bullies, easier to have enemies than friends etc.) and we worry about our children when they are out of our sight. 

2. Contentment (v.8) – Likewise, if our hearts are right with God and we only pleased God, we will live righteously whatever financial situation we have.

How can we apply Proverbs 16:7-8 to motherhood?

Being a mother is a high and important calling. It is a sacred calling filled with sacrifices, immeasurable love, and unwavering decision, and if a mother’s life is centered on nurturing and guiding her children, she finds favor in the eyes of God. This faith, pleasing to God unlocks these divine benefits, blessing and interventions that brings peace and contentment even in the midst of a chaotic world out there.

Lessons that we can learn in this passage as a mother:

1.Seek God’s pleasure – Live a life that pleases the Lord. Make it a goal. This is through prayer, worship, studying and listening to His Word, walk in obedience, going to church etc. and let the Holy Spirit guide you in everything you do.

2.Trust in the Lord and in His plans – As a mother, it is easy to become overwhelmed by uncertainties and difficulties of raising children.  But when you trust that God is present and working on your behalf, these difficult circumstances turn into opportunities for growth. 

Testimony: I remembered when God told me 20 years ago, that I will give birth to twins. I was shocked and I admit that I got a little bit worried. But when someone reminded and rebuke me to trust in the Lord and in His plans, I stop worrying and start trusting God. Fast forward until this present time, I am now a mother of twins but I am rocking it because God is by my side. 

3.Pray until something happens – I believe that mother’s prayers are powerful. When we pray and present our worries, fears and burden to God. God hears and answers them. 

4.Seek God’s guidance – A mother faces numerous decisions and choices (sometimes not just for ourselves but for our children as well). So, we need to turn to God in prayer, seek His wisdom and guidance and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and grant the discernment in raising our children.

5.Embrace God’s peace – When we please God in everything we do, He grant us peace. This peace becomes a source of strength and stability that enables us to navigate the challenges of being a mother with grace and confidence.

6.Teach your children to be content – Rather than material and worldly gains, rather than going shopping and buy things which we obviously not need but only want (and then later on, you’ll ask yourself, “What am I going to do with this?”) Become a model to your children. Teach your children to become contented in what they have. Find joy and gratitude in life’s simple blessings and teach them to be grateful.

7.Teach your children to embrace the eternal perspective – Everything in this world is meaningless (Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV). You can’t even bring your treasures in heaven. So, let’s focus on the spiritual growth of our children. Help them to understand that true wealth lies in the relationship with God and living a life to please the Lord is the right way. 

8.Trust in God’s provision – Remind ourselves and our children that true wealth is not measured by material possessions. God gives us what we need. He told us not to worry. So let us trust God that He will provide for that and that His ways will always lead to everlasting abundance.

As a mother, our faith is a guiding light in our family’s life (especially to our children). As we strive to please the Lord and choose righteousness, His peace will saturate our homes, and His blessing will flow abundantly. Let us always remember that the peace that God gives to us is not like the peace of this world, and that it is better to possess little with righteousness than to be wealthy through injustice. 

Closing Prayer

Sweet Jesus, we come before you today in front of your holy throne of grace, we are ever grateful for the gift of motherhood and the strength that comes from knowing you. Thank you for the wisdom we have found in Proverbs 16:7-8, which reminds us of the importance of pleasing You and prioritizing righteousness. Help us, Lord, to live in a way that pleases you, knowing that when we walk in your ways, you will cause our enemies to make peace with us. Grant us the courage to choose righteousness over worldly gain and to instill in our children the values that align with your Word. May our lives be a testimony of your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Find more Wisdom in Proverbs for Moms devotions here.

Guest Blogger Bio.

Blessed day readers, my name is Franchette Laxamana, a Filipina who resides in the USA and I am totally in love with Jesus Christ. I am a worship leader, a blogger for God’s glory and a twin mother. Aside from this, I love encouraging people and bringing them to Jesus Christ. You can check my blog here: http://chettelax.wordpress.com