Proverbs 25:21

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

Proverbs 25:21 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat
Which includes all manner of food; whatever persons may have in their houses, that they should bring out and feed the hungry with, even though an enemy; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink;
which was what was usually and in common drank in those countries. These two, bread and water, take in all the necessaries of life; and giving them is expressive of all acts of beneficence and humanity to be performed to enemies; see ( 2 Kings 6:22 ) ; or "drink to him", so Pagninus and Montanus; which is still more expressive of respect and kindness.

Proverbs 25:21 In-Context

19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint.

20 As he that takes away a garment in cold weather and as vinegar upon soap, so is he that sings songs to a heavy heart.

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

22 for thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

23 The north wind drives away rain, so does an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.