Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 64 and Proverbs 25

Proverbs 25-29 is an extra collection of Solomon’s Proverbs which was compiled in the days of the righteous King Hezekiah of Judah, some 270 years after Solomon. As is the case with the rest of the book, each of these proverbs is worthy of careful consideration. One which is quoted in the New Testament (in Romans 12:20) is worthy of special attention today:

^“21 If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat.
    If they are thirsty, give them water to drink.
²² You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads,
    and the Lord will reward you.”

Jesus called on us, His disciples, to live out active love towards those who are opposed to us and treat us as enemies. This is one of the more radical callings of the disciple, and here we see that it has always been a principle of Godly wisdom too. It has always been pleasing to God when His people actively and self-sacrificially express loving-kindness towards those who do not treat us the same way. And, as a principle of wisdom, it has also always been part of the good, pleasing and perfect Way of abundant life. This, surely, is the “reward” that v.22b promises. God’s active blessing will come to us in response to our active love for those who treat us as enemies.

Another powerful effect of this way of living is that it heaps “burning coals of shame on their heads”. If the enemy has even a shred of a conscience, receiving goodness and kindness in return for the evil and harshness they have dished out will lead to deep, embarassed conviction, and they will be faced with the choice to repent and alter their future behaviour.

God of Wisdom, grant me the grace to make the difficult choice to live in active loving-kindness towards everyone – even those who do me harm. Empower me, Holy Spirit, to live like Jesus in this way. Amen.