Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
A Conservative Version
In The King James Version
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
In Context
16A gracious woman obtains honor, and aggressive men obtain riches.
18A wicked man earns deceitful wages, but he who sows righteousness [has] a sure reward.
Cross References
Job 20:16He shall suck the poison of asps. The viper's tongue shall kill him.
Psalms 41:1Blessed is he who considers a poor man. LORD will deliver him in the day of evil.
Psalms 112:4To the upright there arises light in the darkness. [He is] gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
Proverbs 22:9He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor.
Isaiah 32:7And the instruments of the churl are evil. He devises wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks right.
Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to a hungry man, and that thou bring the poor who are cast out to thy house, when thou see a naked man, that thou cover him, and that thou not hide thyself from thine own flesh?
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 11:17
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches. Here, 1. It is allowed that strong men retain riches, that those who bustle in the world, who are men of spirit and interest, and are able to make their part good against all who stand in their way, are likely to keep what they have and to get more, while those who are weak are preyed upon by all about them. 2. It is taken for granted that a gracious woman is as solicitous to preserve her reputation for wisdom and modesty, humility and courtesy,… Read the whole commentary →