Proverbs 25:21
If your hater is in need of food, give him bread; and if he is in need of drink, give him water:
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
In Context
22For so you will put coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will give you your reward.
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:20\24:19\If a man comes across his hater, will he let him get away safe? so may you be rewarded by the Lord for what you have done for me today.
2 Chronicles 28:15And those men who have been named went up and took the prisoners, clothing those among them who were uncovered, with things from the goods which had been taken in the war, and putting robes on them and shoes on their feet; and they gave them food and drink and oil for their bodies, and seating all the feeble among them on asses, they took them to Jericho, the town of palm-trees, to their people, and then went back to Samaria.
Proverbs 24:17Do not be glad at the fall of your hater, and let not your heart have joy at his downfall:
Matthew 5:44But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you;
Romans 12:20But if one who has hate for you is in need of food or of drink, give it to him, for in so doing you will put coals of fire on his head.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 25:21
20 As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart. 1. The absurdity here censured is singing songs to a heavy heart. Those that are in great sorrow are to be comforted by sympathizing with them, condoling with them, and concurring in their lamentation. If we take that method, the moving of our lips may assuage their grief ( Job xvi. 5 ); but we take a wrong course with them if we think to relieve them by being merry with them, and… Read the whole commentary →