Proverbs 11:17
A kind man is rewarding his own soul, || And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.
Literal Standard 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 retains honor, || And terrible [men] retain riches.
18The wicked is getting a lying wage, || And whoever is sowing righteousness—a true reward.
Cross References
Job 20:16He sucks [the] gall of cobras, the tongue of a viper slays him.
Psalms 41:1TO THE OVERSEER. A PSALM OF DAVID. O the blessedness of him || Who is acting wisely to the poor, || In a day of evil YHWH delivers him.
Psalms 112:4Light has risen in darkness to the upright, || Gracious, and merciful, and righteous.
Proverbs 22:9The good of eye—he is blessed, || For he has given of his bread to the poor.
Isaiah 32:7And the miser—his instruments [are] evil, || He has counseled wicked schemes, || To corrupt the poor with lying sayings, || Even when the needy speaks justly.
Isaiah 58:7Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, || And bring home the wandering poor, || That you see the naked and cover him, || And do not hide yourself from your 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 →