Proverbs 25:22 Meaning and Explanation
“For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →When you feed an enemy, you may transform him through shame, and the Lord will reward your faithfulness to this difficult command.
The Context of Proverbs 25:22
The transformative power of responding to enemies with mercy.
What Does Proverbs 25:22 Mean?
Heaping coals of fire on someone's head is a metaphor for causing shame or conviction. When you respond to your enemy's need with kindness instead of cruelty, he is ashamed of his enmity. Your response shows him the ugliness of his own hostility by contrast. This shame may move him toward repentance or reconciliation.
The verse also promises that the Lord will reward you for this costly obedience. Feeding an enemy takes strength and virtue. The Lord sees and honors such faithfulness. Whether or not the enemy is transformed, the one who shows mercy is counted righteous and receives the Lord's blessing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 25:22
What does Proverbs 25:22 mean?
When you feed an enemy, you may transform him through shame, and the Lord will reward your faithfulness to this difficult command.
What is the context of Proverbs 25:22?
The transformative power of responding to enemies with mercy.