Heaping Coals of Kindness

Chapter 25 opens a collection that the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out, showing how God's people preserved these sayings. It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter. Humility is wise in the presence of the powerful. Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the king, or claim a place among great men. In the New Testament, Jesus tells a similar parable about taking the lowest place at a wedding feast (Luke 14:10).

The chapter uses vivid images. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him. As clouds and wind without rain, so is he who boasts of gifts deceptively. A soft tongue breaks the bone. Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

The most famous saying is about enemies. If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you. Kindness may bring shame that leads to change. In the New Testament, Paul quotes these verses (Romans 12:20) and adds, Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a man whose spirit is without restraint.