Proverbs 25:21

21 ¹If your enemy is hungry, give him food 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 Like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot Is confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble.

20 Like one who takes off a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar on soda, Is he who sings songs to a troubled heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;

22 For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the LORD will reward you.

23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 23:4, 5; 2 Kings 6:22; 2 Chronicles 28:15; Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20

Footnotes

• [a]. Lit "one who hates you"