Proverbs 25:21
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Berean Standard Bible
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 in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:20Now I know for sure that you will be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will be established in your hands.
2 Chronicles 28:15Then the men who were designated by name arose, took charge of the captives, and provided from the plunder clothing for the naked. They clothed them, gave them sandals and food and drink, anointed their wounds, and put all the feeble on donkeys. So they brought them to Jericho, the City of Palms, to their brothers. Then they returned to Samaria.
Proverbs 24:17Do not gloat when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Romans 12:20On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals 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 →