Lesson 117: Proverbs 25:21
The Blueprint — The Verse
If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
Memorization Practice
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
collects Solomon's proverbs copied in Hezekiah's era. Retaliatory justice was common in the ancient world; wisdom taught counterintuitive kindness that could shame an enemy into peace.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
This instruction appears among royal sayings about self-control and speech. Feeding a hungry enemy mirrors later teaching of JesusJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More and PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More about overcoming evil with good.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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As he that taketh away a garment in cold weather, and as vinegar upon nitre, so is he that singeth songs to an heavy heart.
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How does serving an enemy test your faithFaith is the act of trusting God’s character, promises, and redemptive work even before the outcome is seen. In Scripture, faith is not blind belief but a confident reliance on God’s truth, rooted in His past actions and revealed purpose. It is the foundation of the believer’s relationship with God and the driving force behind obedience, endurance, and hope.... More?
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What practical kindness can you show someone difficult?
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Why might kindness be 'burning coals' on an enemy's head?
