Proverbs 25:21

21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a 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 Trusting unfaithful people when you are in trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking with a crippled foot.
20 Singing songs to someone who is sad is like taking away his coat on a cold day or pouring vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
22 Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23 As the north wind brings rain, telling gossip brings angry looks.
Scripture taken from the New Century Version. Copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.