For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee.
The verse forbids avenging oneself, requiring that when an enemy is hungry he be given food and when he is thirsty he be given water instead of repaying the wrong he has done. The coals of fire heaped upon his head are the painful shame or remorse that such kindness may awaken in him. Such merciful treatment is the way to overcome evil with kindness. The Lord shall reward the one who acts thus mercifully toward an enemy.
The verse forbids avenging oneself, requiring that when an enemy is hungry he be given food and when he is thirsty he be given water instead of repaying the wrong he has done. The coals of fire heaped upon his head are the painful shame or remorse that such kindness may awaken in him. Such merciful treatment is the way to overcome evil with kindness. The Lord shall reward the one who acts thus mercifully toward an enemy.