Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man does good to his own soul,but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
New Heart English Bible
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,but violent men obtain riches.
18Wicked people earn deceitful wages,but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
Cross References
Job 20:16He shall suck cobra venom.The viper's tongue shall kill him.
Psalms 41:1For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David.Blessed is he who considers the poor.The Lord will deliver him in the day of evil.
Psalms 112:4Light dawns in the darkness for the upright,HETgracious, merciful, and righteous.TET
Proverbs 22:9He who has a generous eye will be blessed;for he shares his food with the poor.
Isaiah 32:7The ways of the scoundrel are evil.He devises wicked devices to destroy the humble with lying words,even when the needy speaks right.
Isaiah 58:7Isn't it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you 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 →