Proverbs 25:21

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be 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 A broken tooth, and a tottering foot, is confidence in an unfaithful [man] in the day of trouble.

20 [As] he that taketh off a garment in cold weather, [and as] vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to a sad heart.

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

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

23 The north wind bringeth forth rain, and the angry countenance a backbiting tongue.