For in so doing
This phrase introduces the action that follows a previous instruction, which in the context of Proverbs 25:21, involves showing kindness to one's enemy. The Hebrew root here implies a deliberate and purposeful action. Historically, this reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on intentionality in righteous living. The act of kindness is not accidental but a conscious decision to follow God's command to love even those who oppose us.

you will heap burning coals on his head
This vivid imagery has sparked much discussion among scholars. The phrase "heap burning coals" is often understood metaphorically. In ancient Egyptian culture, carrying a pan of burning coals on one's head was a sign of repentance. Thus, the act of kindness could lead the enemy to feel shame and remorse, potentially leading to reconciliation. The Hebrew word for "heap" suggests an abundance, indicating that the kindness shown is not minimal but generous, overwhelming the enemy with unexpected grace.

and the LORD will reward you
This promise of divine reward underscores a central theme in Proverbs: the righteous will ultimately be blessed by God. The Hebrew word for "reward" conveys the idea of a recompense or a return for one's actions. In the historical context of Israel, where justice and retribution were key societal values, this assurance from the LORD provides a powerful motivation for believers to act righteously, trusting that God sees and honors their obedience. The phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and faithfulness in rewarding those who follow His ways, even when it involves loving one's enemies.

(22) Thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.--Thou shalt make him burn with shame at the thought of the wrong he has done thee. Thus, to bring a sinner to repentance is well-pleasing to the Lord, who shall reward thee for it. This is better far than to indulge resentment, which must bring sorrow to oneself, punishment from God--whose prerogative of vengeance (Romans 12:19) has been usurped--and only serve to harden the offender in his hostility.

Verse 22. - For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. This expression has been taken in various senses. It has been thought to mean that the forgiveness of the injured person brings to the cheek of the offender the burning blush of shame. But heaping coals on the head cannot naturally be taken to express such an idea. St. Chrysostom and other Fathers consider that Divine vengeance is implied, as in Psalm 11:6, "Upon the wicked he shall rain snares; fire and brimstone and burning wind shall be their portion;" and Psalm 140:10, "Let burning coals fall upon them." Of course, in one view, kindness to an evil man only gives him occasion for fresh ingratitude and hatred, and therefore increases God's wrath against him. But it would be a wicked motive to act this beneficent part only to have the satisfaction of seeing your injurer humbled or punished. And the gnome implies that the sinner is benefited by the clemency shown to him, that the requital of evil by good brings the offender to a better mind, and aids his spiritual life. "Coals of fire" are a metaphor for the penetrating pain of remorse and repentance. The unmerited kindness which he receives forces upon him the consciousness of his ill doing, which is accompanied by the sharp rain of regret. St. Augustine, "Ne dubitaveris figurate dictum...ut intelligas carbones ignis esse urentes poenitentiae gemitus, quibus superbia sanatur ejus, qui dolit se inimicum fuisse hominis, a quo ejus miseriae subvenitur" ('De Doctr. Christ.,' 3:16). Lesetre quotes St. Francis de Sales, who gives again a different view, "You are not obliged to seek reconciliation with one who has offended you; it may be rather his part to seek you; yet nevertheless go and follow the Saviour's counsel, prevent him with good, render him good for evil: heap coals of fire on his head and on his heart, which may burn up all ill will and constrain him to love you" ('De l'Am. de Dieu,' 8:9). And the Lord shall reward thee. This consideration can scarcely be regarded as the chief motive for the liberality enjoined, though it would be present to the kind person's mind, and be a support and comfort to him in a course of conduct repugnant to the natural man. He would remember the glorious reward promised to godliness by the prophet (Isaiah 58:8, etc.), and how Saul had expressed his consciousness of David's magnanimity in sparing his life. "Thou art more righteous than I; for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil... wherefore the Lord reward thee good for that thou hast done unto me this day" (1 Samuel 24:17, 19 and 1 Sam 26:21).

Parallel Commentaries ...


For [in so doing],
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

you
אַ֭תָּה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

will heap
חֹתֶ֣ה (ḥō·ṯeh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2846: To lay hold of, to pick up fire

burning coals
גֶֽחָלִ֗ים (ḡe·ḥā·lîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1513: An ember

on
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

his head,
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and the LORD
וַֽ֝יהוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3069: YHWH

will reward you.
יְשַׁלֶּם־ (yə·šal·lem-)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7999: To be safe, to be, completed, to be friendly, to reciprocate


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 25:22 For you will heap coals of fire (Prov. Pro Pr)