Proverbs 25:22

“For thou shall heap coals of fire upon his head, etc.] 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 <451220>Romans 12:20,21).”

“A precept reproduced by Paul Romans 12:20; the second clause of which seems at first sight to suggest a motive incompatible with a true charity. Leviticus 16:12 suggests an explanation. The high priest on the Day of Atonement was to take his censer, to fill it with “coals of fire,” and then to put the incense thereon for a sweet-smelling savor. So it is here. The first emotion in another caused by the good done to him may be one of burning shame, but the shame will do its work and the heart also will burn, and prayer and confession and thanksgiving will rise as incense to the throne of God. Thus, “we shall overcome evil with good.” return to 'Top of Page'”

“For - In so doing, which words are expressed Rom 12:20, where this text is quoted. Thou shalt melt him into repentance, and love. Proverbs 25:25”

“For: Not to consume, but to melt him into kindness; a metaphor taken from smelting metalic ores. the Lord: Sa2 16:12; Mat 10:13; Co1 15:18 Proverbs 25:23”