Proverbs 25:21
If he who is hating thee doth hunger, cause him to eat bread, And if he thirst, cause him to drink water.
Young's Literal Translation
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 coals thou art putting on his head, And Jehovah giveth recompense to thee.
Cross References
1 Samuel 24:20'And, now, lo, I have known that thou dost certainly reign, and the kingdom of Israel hath stood in thy hand;
2 Chronicles 28:15and the men who have been expressed by name rise and take hold on the captives, and all their naked ones they have clothed from the spoil, yea, they clothe them, and shoe them, and cause them to eat and drink, and anoint them, and lead them on asses, even every feeble one, and bring them in to Jericho, the city of palms, near their brethren, and turn back to Samaria.
Proverbs 24:17In the falling of thine enemy rejoice not, And in his stumbling let not thy heart be joyful,
Matthew 5:44but I — 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 recompense again, saith the Lord;' if, then, thine enemy doth hunger, feed him; if he doth thirst, give him drink; for this doing, coals of fire thou shalt heap upon 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 →