Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.
Darby Translation
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 retaineth honour; and the violent retain riches.
18The wicked worketh a deceitful work; but he that soweth righteousness hath a sure reward.
Cross References
Job 20:16He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper's tongue shall kill him.
Psalms 41:1{To the chief Musician. A Psalm of David.} Blessed is he that understandeth the poor: Jehovah will deliver him in the day of evil.
Psalms 112:4Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness; he is gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
Proverbs 22:9He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
Isaiah 32:7The instruments also of the churl are evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the meek with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right.
Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring to thy house the needy wanderers; when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not 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 →