Pro 25:21-22 | MHM | STEP | Showing Kindness to Enemies This section explains the importance of loving and helping even those who are against us. Solomon teaches that showing kindness to our enemies was always God’s command, even in the Old Testament. Jesus later reinforced this teaching by His own example. The passage shows that being generous to enemies is both wise and rewarded by God. v. 21 : If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink . We should not enjoy seeing our enemies suffer. Instead, if they are in need, we must help them. This might mean giving food or water, even if it costs us something. By doing good to those who dislike us, like Elisha did for the Syrians (2 Kings 6:22 ), we follow God’s command to love, not only our friends, but even those who oppose us. This teaching is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and the apostles encourage kindness and forgiveness toward enemies (Romans 12:20; Matthew 5:44 ).

‏ Proverbs 25:21-22

Showing Kindness to Enemies

This section explains the importance of loving and helping even those who are against us. Solomon teaches that showing kindness to our enemies was always God’s command, even in the Old Testament. Jesus later reinforced this teaching by His own example. The passage shows that being generous to enemies is both wise and rewarded by God.

v. 21: If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink . We should not enjoy seeing our enemies suffer. Instead, if they are in need, we must help them. This might mean giving food or water, even if it costs us something. By doing good to those who dislike us, like Elisha did for the Syrians (2 Kings 6:22 ^a), we follow God’s command to love, not only our friends, but even those who oppose us. This teaching is also echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus and the apostles encourage kindness and forgiveness toward enemies (Romans 12:20; Matthew 5:44 ^b).

v. 22: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward thee . Treating our enemies with kindness may change their hearts. It can turn their anger into friendship, just as hot coals melt metal. If they do not change, our kindness makes their wrongdoing even clearer to God, and they will face His judgment. Either way, God promises to reward us for being merciful, even if our enemy stays unfriendly. He will take care of our needs and remember our good deeds, if not now, then surely when He judges everyone’s actions. This verse reminds us that God values mercy and kindness, and He will reward those who follow His ways (Proverbs 24:17; Romans 12:20 ^c).