Meditations at the Mercy Seat Proverbs 25:20-24 Advice for Kings & Leaders, Part 4

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Proverbs 25:20–24

[20] Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart

is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,

and like vinegar on soda.

[21] If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,

and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,

[22] for you will heap burning coals on his head,

and the Lord will reward you.

[23] The north wind brings forth rain,

and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.

[24] It is better to live in a corner of the housetop

than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife. (ESV)

Advice for Kings and Leaders Part 4

v.20 This is a proverb about counterproductive behavior. One would not remove their coat while they are outside on a cold winter's day. Neither should one mix vinegar and baking soda unless you want to create a huge mess—remember those volcano science fair projects from third grade? Likewise, singing a song to someone who is depressed or grieving may not be wise behavior—in fact, it can make it worse. This is a caution against empty words and false cheer. At times such as these, companionable silence may be the wisest course. What is truly needed is the Wisdom of God's Word, both to counsel those going through rough times and advice on how to counsel. For it is written, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15 ESV).

v.21-22 The Wise understand that coming to the aid of your enemy accomplishes two things. In the first place, helping your enemy may instill in him a guilty conscience, moving him to repent and cease his hostility. Secondly, God will bless the believer who emulates Christ and loves his enemy (Matthew 5:44; Romans 12:20). Thus, God uses us to conquer evil with good (Romans 12:21). Jesus made the ultimate demonstration of love by dying for our sins when we were still enemies of God (Romans 5:6-10).

v.23 In the original Hebrew, the first line of this verse says the north wind “writhes” and “gives birth” to rain. The north wind signals a low-pressure system moving in, which eventually brings the west wind and rain. This meteorological illustration serves the second line, which advises the Wise that a whispering, writhing tongue gives birth to angry looks from those who have been excluded from a public yet secretive conversation.

v.24 Compare this verse to Proverbs 21:9. This proverb teaches that it is wise to avoid marrying a quarrelsome person so that the unfortunate situation does not develop.