Provérbios 25
Augustine of Hippo · Comentário Patrístico (catena)
Provérbios 25:21
The apostle Paul teaches us in the clearest possible way that alms are to be distributed to everybody, when he says, "Let us be tireless, while we have the time, in doing good to all, though supremely to those at home in the faith." This indeed makes it plain enough that in works of this kind the just are to be given preference. Who else, after all, are we to understand by "those at home in the faith," since elsewhere it is stated plainly, "The just person lives by faith"? That doesn't mean, though, that we must close our hearts to other people, even sinners, not even if they adopt a hostile attitude toward us. The Savior himself says, after all, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." Nor is the point passed over in silence in the books of the Old Testament; one reads there, you see, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink," a text the apostle also makes use of in the New. — SERMON 164A.2
Provérbios 25:21-22
This [scriptural passage] seems to prescribe a crime or a vice; therefore, it is a figure of speech directing that we are to participate in the Lord's passion and treasure up in grateful and salutary remembrance the fact that his flesh was crucified and wounded for us. Scripture says, "If your enemy is hungry, give him food; if he is thirsty, give him drink." This undoubtedly prescribes a kindness, but the part that follows—"For by so doing you will heap coals of fire upon his head"—you might suppose was commanding a crime of malevolence. So, do not doubt that it is a figurative expression. Although it can have a twofold interpretation, by one intending harm, by the other intending a good, charity should call you away from the former to kindness, so that you may understand that the coals of fire are the burning lamentations of repentance by which that person's pride is healed and he grieves that he has been an enemy of the one who relieves his misery. — CHRISTIAN INSTRUCTION 3:16.24