Proverbs 25:22

Arabic Bible (GNA) Good News Arabic - 1993 (الترجمة العربية المشتركة)

فتَحُطَّ جَمْرا على رأسِهِ، والرّبُّ يُحسنُ جَزاءَكَ‌.

What Does This Mean?

This verse from Proverbs advises that showing kindness to someone who has wronged you can lead to a positive outcome. It suggests that by doing good, you can cause your enemy to feel ashamed. God will see and reward your actions. The speaker is Solomon, offering wisdom and advice.

Explained for Children

Imagine your friend was mean to you, but instead of being mean back, you did something nice for them. This verse says that doing something good, like giving them a treat, can make them feel bad about being mean and might change their behavior. God likes when we do good things, even to those who are not nice to us.

Historical Background

This verse is part of Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to King Solomon. It was written around 900 BC and was intended for a Hebrew audience living in a culture that valued wisdom and righteous living.

Living It Out Today

If someone at work or school is rude to you, instead of reacting negatively, you could do something kind for them, like sharing your lunch. This can show them the power of kindness and potentially improve the relationship.

Topics

• forgiveness
• kindness
• revenge
• wisdom
• grace
• enemies

Related Verses

• Romans 12:20
• Matthew 5:44
• Proverbs 25:21
• Luke 6:35
• 1 Peter 3:9

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'heap coals of fire' mean in this context?

It’s a metaphorical way to describe how showing kindness to someone who has wronged you can cause them to feel ashamed and repentant. The warmth of kindness is intended to shame them into recognizing their wrongdoings.

How does God reward this kind of behavior?

The verse suggests that God will reward your actions with a positive outcome, which could be anything from reconciliation with the person to a sense of peace and satisfaction in having acted righteously.

Is this verse only about personal relationships?

No, while it can apply to personal relationships, it can also be understood in broader contexts, such as dealing with difficult situations at work or in community settings where kindness can defuse tension.

How is this verse relevant in today's world?

In today's world, this verse is relevant because it encourages a response to conflict and wrongdoing that is compassionate and forgiving. It can help foster a more peaceful and understanding society.