Proverbs 11:17
A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless destroys his own body.
Brenton Septuagint
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
18An ungodly man performs unrighteous works: but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.
Cross References
Job 20:16And let him suck the poison of serpents, and let the serpent's tongue slay him.
Psalms 41:1For the end, a Psalm for instruction, for the sons of Core.
Psalms 112:4The Lord is high above all the nations; his glory is above the heavens.
Proverbs 22:9a He that gives liberally secures victory and honour; but he takes away the life of them that possess them.
Isaiah 32:7For the counsel of the wicked will devise iniquity, to destroy the poor with unjust words, and + 32:7 Gr. disperse the words.ruin the cause of the poor in judgment.
Isaiah 58:7Break thy bread to the hungry, and lead the unsheltered poor to thy house: if thou seest one naked, clothe him, and thou shalt not disregard the relations of thine own seed.
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 →