1. Proverbs 25:21–22 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Summary

Proverbs 25:21–22 (ESV)

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

The first Hebrew word ki (ESV: for) in Proverbs 25:22 proves that these two verses belong together. Proverbs 25:22 shows the effect of the action mentioned in Proverbs 25:21.

When your enemy lacks food and water, then give him what is needed (compare with 2 Kings 6:22). It is not fitting for anyone to hate his neighbour. Jesus once said, in a reaction to You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy (Matthew 5:43b), “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44–45).

When our heavenly Father reacts so generously, then it is also fitting for us to react lovingly towards our enemies. Whoever acts in this manner brings about something special. He heaps burning coals on the head of his opponent. Does it mean then that we punish the other in such a manner as to torture him? Considering that in the book of Proverbs we find repeated warnings against (taking) personal revenge (see Proverbs 20:22; Proverbs 24:17–18), this does not seem likely.

It is better to understand this verse as bringing on a burning repentance. The surprising generous deed will make the enemy think. It will also confront him with his evil deeds. He will start thinking about them and feel bad about them. He will be very ashamed of his evil plans.

This explanation also fits with what the apostle Paul writes in Romans 12:20 where he quotes Proverbs 25:21–22. Jakob Van Bruggen wrote about this in his commentary on Romans: This unexpected love will create flames of shame in the enemy; his colour changes as if burning coals were placed on his head. This is how a believer, through his help and care, can make someone feel oppressed.1

Does this happen all the time? That is not what is said or promised here, but this is a possible and desired reaction, and for the believer this is an encouragement to act in a good manner. After all, this is what the Saviour wants us to do (compare also Luke 22:51). And especially the promise and the Lord will reward you can very much stimulate us to do good!