Proverbs
“If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:”
Proverbs 25:21
Proverbs 25:21 (KJV) speaks to loving enemies, kindness, and forgiveness of others — words set in Proverbs, the Bible's book of practical wisdom. Read it unhurried, and let it become a prayer you return to.
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Verses that sit beside this one
“But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,”
Luke 6:27“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:9“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:”
Proverbs 24:17“Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 19:18“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”
Matthew 5:44
Common questions
What does Proverbs 25:21 mean?
In the King James Version, Proverbs 25:21 reads: "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:" The verse speaks to loving enemies, kindness, and forgiveness of others. To read it well, take it in the flow of Proverbs 25 rather than on its own, and let the words settle slowly — reading it aloud, or turning it into a short prayer, is often what makes its meaning land.
Is Proverbs 25:21 in the King James Version?
Yes. "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:" is Proverbs 25:21 in the King James Version (KJV), found in Proverbs chapter 25.
What are some related Bible verses to Proverbs 25:21?
Verses that sit beside Proverbs 25:21 include Luke 6:27, 1 Peter 3:9, and Proverbs 24:17. Reading them alongside Proverbs 25:21 deepens the theme of loving enemies.
How can I pray with Proverbs 25:21?
Read Proverbs 25:21 slowly, take a breath, and turn it into a short prayer in your own words — thanking God for what it promises, or asking for what it points to. Keep it somewhere you will see it today, and let it be a companion rather than a task to finish.