... The only actual "antithesis" of this section of the Sermon on the Mount is Matthew 5:43–44: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." No law commands hatred of enemies. On the contrary, Proverbs 25:21 advises, "If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat, and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink." Granted, there is a compensatory aspect to this bit of wisdom, for the proverb does indicate that those who do behave in such a beneficent manner toward enemies "will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the Lord will reward you" (25:22). Jesus therefore goes a step beyond the biblical tradition. ...