Proverbs 25:21

21 If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink. ¹

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 Depending on an unreliable person in a crisis is like trying to chew with a loose tooth or walk with a crippled foot.

20 Singing to a person who is depressed is like taking off a person's clothes on a cold day or like rubbing salt in a wound.

21 If your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them a drink.

22 You will make them burn with shame, and the Lord will reward you.

23 Gossip brings anger just as surely as the north wind brings rain.

Cross References

• 1. 25.21, 22Romans 12.20.