Proverbs 25:21
If he who is hating you hungers, cause him to eat bread, || And if he thirsts, cause him to drink water.
Literal Standard Version
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 you are putting coals on his head, || And YHWH gives repayment to you.
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:20And now, behold, I have known that you certainly reign, and the kingdom of Israel has stood in your hand;
2 Chronicles 28:15and the men who have been expressed by name rise and take hold on the captives, and they have clothed all their naked ones from the spoil, indeed, they clothe them, and shoe them, and cause them to eat and drink, and anoint them, and lead them on donkeys, even every feeble one, and bring them to Jericho, the city of palms, near their brothers, and return to Samaria.
Proverbs 24:17Do not rejoice in the falling of your enemy, || And do not let your heart be joyful in his stumbling,
Matthew 5:44but I say to you, love your enemies, bless those cursing you, do good to those hating you, and pray for those accusing you falsely, and persecuting you,
Romans 12:20I will repay again, says the LORD”; if, then, your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink; for doing this, you will heap 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 →