Proverbs 25:22

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

American Standard Version (1901)

For thou wilt heap coals of fire upon his head, And Jehovah will reward thee.

Bible in Basic English

For so you will put coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will give you your reward.

Douay-Rheims 1899

For thou shalt heap hot coals upon his head, and the Lord will reward thee.

Free Bible Version

This will make him ashamed as if he had burning coals piled on his head, and the Lord will reward you.

Geneva Bible 1599

For thou shalt lay coles vpon his head, and the Lord shall recompense thee.

King James (Authorized) Version

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.

One Unity Resource Bible

for you will heap burning coals [of shame] on his head, and Adonai will reward you.

Translation for Translators

doing that will cause them to feel ashamed [IDM], and Yahweh will reward you for doing that.

Unlocked Literal Bible

for you will shovel coals of fire on his head and Yahweh will reward you.

Noah Webster Bible

For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD will reward thee.

World English Bible

for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

Young's Literal Translation

For coals thou art putting on his head, And Jehovah giveth recompense to thee.

Context

More Proverbs of Solomon

²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. ²²For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.

Summary

This verse encourages showing kindness and compassion to our enemies, as it has the potential to soften their hearts and change their attitudes towards us. By responding with love instead of retaliation, we can overcome evil with good and potentially mend broken relationships. The act of offering kindness to those who mistreat us reflects the character of God and can lead to reconciliation and peace. Ultimately, this verse teaches the power of forgiveness and grace in transforming conflicts and promoting harmony.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

For thou shall heap coals of fire upon his head,.... Not to increase his punishment and damnation, the more aggravated by kindness shown him; but to bring him by such means to a sense of former injuries, and to shame for them, repentance of them, and love of the person injured, and carefulness for the future of doing him any further wrong; and the Lord shall reward thee: with good things, for all the good done to thine enemy, whether it has the desired effect on him or not; or whether he rewards thee or not; see Rom 12:20.