What is the meaning of Proverbs 25:21? If your enemy is hungry, God acknowledges that we will have enemies, yet He directs us to notice their needs rather than their offenses. • Exodus 23:4–5 shows the same heart: if you see your enemy’s animal in trouble, you help. • Jesus deepens it in Matthew 5:44: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • This attitude refuses retaliation (Romans 12:17) and opens the way for reconciliation (Proverbs 16:7). give him food to eat, Love becomes tangible at the dinner table. Handing over bread, not just good wishes, mirrors Christ’s own ministry. • Luke 6:27–31 calls us to active goodness—doing, blessing, giving. • 1 John 3:17–18 challenges, “let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” • Feeding an enemy may soften a hardened heart (Proverbs 15:1) and testifies that God provides even for the ungrateful (Acts 14:17). and if he is thirsty, Thirst highlights vulnerability. God invites us to notice when an adversary’s defenses drop. • Isaiah 55:1 extends God’s offer of refreshment to everyone willing to come. • Matthew 25:35 recalls Christ saying, “I was thirsty and you gave Me drink.” • John 4:13–14 reminds us people need more than water; they need living water—yet physical kindness can open doors to spiritual life. give him water to drink. Meeting thirst completes the picture: mercy supplies what hostility never could. • Romans 12:20 repeats this proverb and adds, “in doing so, you will heap burning coals on his head,” meaning kindness can awaken conscience and lead to repentance. • Galatians 6:10 urges us, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone,” enemies included. Possible outcomes of obeying this verse: - You reflect God’s character of grace and patience. - You disarm conflict by surprising your enemy with generosity. - You leave judgment to the Lord while actively pursuing peace (Romans 12:19–21). summary Proverbs 25:21 calls for more than passive tolerance; it calls for generous, practical love toward those who oppose us. Feeding and giving water to an enemy shows trust in God’s justice, imitates Christ’s compassion, and often melts hostility. By choosing kindness, we overcome evil with good and showcase the gospel in everyday life. |
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