Proverbs 25.21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
Our natural inclination is to want to hurt those who hurt us. We want revenge against our enemies. Ancient tribal society tended to be extreme in its methods of revenge. Indeed, institutions like the “cities of refuge” (Josh. 20) and even the principle of an “eye for an eye” (Exod. 21:23–24) were attempts to curb excessive vengeance.
But this proverb presents a remarkable statement of compassion toward enemies that is departure from the natural inclination toward retaliation. Instead of harming opponents when their weakness presents an opportunity, we are called to help them. And, the proverb tells us, God will reward the one who acts with such courage and kindness.
Other proverbs also suggest kindness toward enemies (see Proverbs 14:29; 19:11; 20:22; 24:17, 29), but this one takes the idea the furthest. In the OT, similar sentiments are also expressed in Exodus 23:4 and Leviticus 19:17-18.
Kindness toward enemies is a central message of the New Testament. Romans 12.14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” In the same chapter, Paul goes on to write …
“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12.17-20)
Here was Jesus’ message in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5.43-45)
But what are we to make of the statement “heap burning coals on his head”? Consider Jeremiah 36.32: “The king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him.”
In the context of the ancient Middle East, coals were placed in a fire pan or brazier to keep the home warm and to cook simple foods. Maintaining fire for the home required diligent attention, both through the day and night. If the fire went out, say in the winter in Israel’s north or on the hills of Jerusalem where it snowed, it could result in serious hardship and even death.
So, when the coals were depleted, the woman or man of the house might ask a neighbor for a refill. A friendly neighbor would likely meet their need, putting coals into a pan or brazier that would often be carried on the head.
So the message in this proverb is, be kind to your enemies: provide them with water for thirst, food for hunger, and fire for warmth.
Be distinctive. Trust God and love your enemies.
