One remarkable proverb claims that _When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him_ (Pr. 16^{7}); and the value of the saying is perhaps increased in that, regarded pedantically, the claim breaks down, whereas on a wider consideration it seems to be subtly and profoundly true. Thus, our truthfulness may not prevent some particular individual (our enemy) from deceiving us by a lie, but it helps many, who might become false and some day deceive us, to persevere in truthfulness; and if all men really were liars, heaven help our race! Our honesty may not prevent a thief from breaking through and stealing, but it does make it easier for other men to be honest and so helps to reduce dishonesty in the world; and if all men were deceivers, peaceful trade would cease. Mercy begets mercy; the kindness of all true men who love God and follow Christ is making the world more kind. In a word, the effect of righteous example is magnificently great. What matter then if the truth be superlatively phrased? Let us affirm it boldly: “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Here is a verse that sums up the whole topic:-- _The eyes of the Lord are upon them that love Him, A mighty protection and strong stay, A cover from the hot blast and a shelter from the noonday, A guard from stumbling, and a succour from falling. He raiseth up the soul, and enlighteneth the eyes; He giveth healing, life, and blessing_ (E. 34^{16, 17}). The gifts are good. But is there a Giver, a God who cares? Why not so believe? It is neither impossible nor incredible. In the last chapter we shall touch further upon the great question. For the moment our concern is only with the answer to it that we find in the Jewish proverbs. That answer is boldly affirmative. Let us begin, however, with a rather hesitant saying; _A man’s goings are of the Lord, how then can he understand his ways?_ (Pr. 20^{24}). Possibly the author intended not to assert God’s guidance but only to complain of the baffling character of our fortunes. If so, we will have none of it. If there be no God at all, at least let us struggle to determine our path with such intelligence as we can muster. In the following, however, there is no dubiety about the affirmation of faith: _A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his steps_ (Pr. 16^{9}). Hard doctrine! theoretically possible perhaps, but is it probable? Certainly it is hard to believe, almost incredible, so long as it is considered merely from the critic’s chair. But the sublime hope that God careth for men displays an astonishing vitality; and the altogether amazing and significant fact is this, that just where it ought most surely to die down and be extinguished, there it always rises up and burns again--as now in the trenches.