Mishle 25:21

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him lechem to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him mayim to drink;

Mishle 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.

Mishle 25:21 In-Context

19 Confidence in a boged in the yom tzarah is like a shen ra’ah (bad tooth), and a regel out of joint.

20 As he that taketh away a beged (garment) on a cold day, and as chometz (vinegar) upon lye, so is he that singeth shirim (songs) to a lev rah (heavy heart, i.e., depressed person).

21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him lechem to eat, and if he be thirsty, give him mayim to drink;

22 For so shalt thou heap hot coals upon his rosh, and Hashem shall reward thee.

23 The ruach tzafon (north wind) brings forth geshem; so doth a lashon seter (backbiting tongue) bring an angry countenance.