For in so doing,
This phrase refers to the preceding action of showing kindness to one's enemy, as advised in Proverbs 25:21. The context is about responding to hostility with benevolence, which is a recurring theme in biblical teachings. This approach is countercultural, especially in ancient times when retribution was a common response to enmity. The idea of overcoming evil with good is also echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Romans 12:20-21.

you will heap burning coals on his head,
This metaphorical expression has been interpreted in various ways. One interpretation is that it signifies causing the enemy to feel shame and remorse, potentially leading to repentance. The imagery of "burning coals" may also relate to ancient purification rituals, where fire symbolizes cleansing and transformation. In Egyptian culture, carrying coals on the head was a sign of repentance. Thus, the act of kindness could lead the adversary to a change of heart, aligning with the biblical principle of loving one's enemies.

and the LORD will reward you.
This assurance of divine reward underscores the biblical principle that God honors those who act righteously, even when it is difficult. The promise of reward is a common motif in Scripture, encouraging believers to trust in God's justice and provision. This aligns with teachings found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:44-48), where Jesus emphasizes loving enemies and trusting in God's ultimate reward. The concept of divine recompense is also seen in Hebrews 11:6, which speaks of God rewarding those who earnestly seek Him.

1. Solomon
Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.

2. The LORD
Refers to God, who is central to the teachings of Proverbs, emphasizing His role in rewarding righteous behavior.

3. The Enemy
The verse implies an adversary or someone who has wronged you, highlighting the context of interpersonal conflict.Responding with Kindness
The act of heaping burning coals symbolizes a transformative kindness that can lead to repentance or change in the adversary.

Divine Reward
Trust in God's justice and reward system, knowing that He sees and honors acts of mercy and kindness.

Overcoming Evil with Good
Embrace the power of good to overcome evil, reflecting Christ's teachings and example.

The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness and kindness can disarm hostility and open the door to reconciliation.

Practical Love
Demonstrate love in practical ways, even to those who oppose you, as a testament to your faith and obedience to God.(22) Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.--Thou shalt make him burn with shame at the thought of the wrong he has done thee. Thus, to bring a sinner to repentance is well-pleasing to the Lord, who shall reward thee for it. This is better far than to indulge resentment, which must bring sorrow to oneself, punishment from God--whose prerogative of vengeance (Romans 12:19) has been usurped--and only serve to harden the offender in his hostility.

Verse 22. - For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. This expression has been taken in various senses. It has been thought to mean that the forgiveness of the injured person brings to the cheek of the offender the burning blush of shame. But heaping coals on the head cannot naturally be taken to express such an idea. St. Chrysostom and other Fathers consider that Divine vengeance is implied, as in Psalm 11:6, "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be their portion;" and Psalm 140:10, "Let burning coals fall upon them." Of course, in one view, kindness to an evil man only gives him occasion for fresh ingratitude and hatred, and therefore increases God's wrath against him. But it would be a wicked motive to act this beneficent part only to have the satisfaction of seeing your injurer humbled or punished. And the gnome implies that the sinner is benefited by the clemency shown to him, that the requital of evil by good brings the offender to a better mind, and aids his spiritual life. "Coals of fire" are a metaphor for the penetrating pain of remorse and repentance. The unmerited kindness which he receives forces upon him the consciousness of his ill doing, which is accompanied by the sharp rain of regret. St. Augustine, "Ne dubitaveris figurate dictum...ut intelligas carbones ignis esse urentes poenitentiae gemitus, quibus superbia sanatur ejus, qui dolit se inimicum fuisse hominis, a quo ejus miseriae subvenitur" ('De Doctr. Christ.,' 3:16). Lesetre quotes St. Francis de Sales, who gives again a different view, "You are not obliged to seek reconciliation with one who has offended you; it may be rather his part to seek you; yet nevertheless go and follow the Saviour's counsel, prevent him with good, render him good for evil: heap coals of fire on his head and on his heart, which may burn up all ill will and constrain him to love you" ('De l'Am. de Dieu,' 8:9). And the Lord shall reward thee. This consideration can scarcely be regarded as the chief motive for the liberality enjoined, though it would be present to the kind person's mind, and be a support and comfort to him in a course of conduct repugnant to the natural man. He would remember the glorious reward promised to godliness by the prophet (Isaiah 58:8, etc.), and how Saul had expressed his consciousness of David's magnanimity in sparing his life. "Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil... wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day" (1 Samuel 24:17, 19 and 1 Sam 26:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For [in so doing],
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
אַ֭תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will heap
חֹתֶ֣ה (ḥō·ṯeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2846: To lay hold of, to pick up fire

burning coals
גֶֽחָלִ֗ים (ḡe·ḥā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1513: An ember

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his head,
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and the LORD
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

will reward you.
יְשַׁלֶּם־ (yə·šal·lem-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:22 For you will heap coals of fire (Prov. Pro Pr)