Proverbs 25:21

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Proverbs 25:21-22

By this it appears that, however the scribes and Pharisees had corrupted the law, not only the commandment of loving our brethren, but even that of loving our enemies, was not only a new, but also an old commandment, an Old-Testament commandment, though our Saviour has given it to us with the new enforcement of his own great example in loving us when we were enemies. Observe, 1. How we must express our love to our enemies by the real offices of kindness, even those that are expensive to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Proverbs 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat ,.... Which includes all manner of food; whatever persons may have in their houses, that they should bring out and feed the hungry with, even though an enemy; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink ; which was what was usually and in common drank in those countries. These two, bread and water, take in all the necessaries of life; and giving them is expressive of all acts of beneficence and humanity to be performed to enemies; see 2... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry - See this and the next verse explained, Romans 12:20 ; (note). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:16-27

The wisdom of moderation We can only eat a small quantity of honey; it we go beyond the limit we find out our mistake. Of this, as of all very sweet things, the words of the great dramatist are true, that "a little more than enough is by much too much." This is particularly applicable to that to which it is here referred. I. SELF - PRAISE . We may go a little way in that direction, but not far. If we transgress the narrow bounds allowed, we shall soon find that we have done... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:20-25

The inopportune and the acceptable "A man that hath friends must show himself friendly" ( Proverbs 18:24 ). And if we would do this we must be careful to choose our time for speaking the truth to our friends, and must study to do not only the right but the appropriate thing. We must— I. ABSTAIN FROM THE INOPPORTUNE . ( Proverbs 25:20 .) It should require but a very humble share of delicacy to understand that what is very valuable at one time is altogether misplaced and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:21

The traditional hatred of enemies is here strongly repudiated (see Proverbs 24:17 , Proverbs 24:18 , and notes there). Thus Elisha treated the Syrians, introduced blindly into the midst of Samaria, ordering the King of Israel to set bread and water before them, and to send them away unharmed ( 2 Kings 6:22 ). "Punish your enemy by benefiting him," say the Arabs, though they are far from practising the injunction; "Sweet words break the bones;" "Bread and salt humble even a robber," say... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:21

The true triumph (See homily on Proverbs 24:17 , Proverbs 24:18 , Proverbs 24:29 .) To the truth on this subject there affirmed, may be added the consideration that to return good for evil is the true triumph; for— I. TO BE AVENGED IS REALLY UNSATISFACTORY . It is, indeed, to have a momentary gratification . But of what character is this satisfaction? Is it not one that we share with the wild beast, with the savage, nay, even with the fiend? Is it one that we can... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:21-22

This famous tetrastrich is reproduced (with the exception of the fourth line) from the Septuagint by St. Paul ( Romans 12:20 ). read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:21-22

Coals of fire. I. THE CHRIST - LIKE DUTY . 1 . It is positive . It is more than turning the other cheek to the smiter, or letting the thief of the cloak carry off the coat also. Passive non-resistance is to be surpassed by active kindness. The command is not merely to refrain from acts of vengeance; it is to bestir one's self in active benevolence for the good of an enemy—to return good for evil. 2 . It is difficult . Perhaps this is not so exceedingly difficult as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 25:21-22

Love to our enemy I. LOVE DELIGHTS IN ITS OPPORTUNITY . ( Proverbs 25:21 .) And to true Christian love there is no opportunity sweeter than the distress of a foe. II. LOVE DELIGHTS IN SUPPLYING NEED . It is the opposite of egotism, which clamours for personal satisfaction, and closes the avenues of pity to the distressed. III. LOVE IS VICTORIOUS OVER EVIL . ( Proverbs 25:22 .) A wholesome pain is excited in the mind of the enemy. He begins to feel... read more

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