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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/11.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/11.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but <i>he that is</i> cruel troubleth his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/11.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The merciful man does good for his own soul, But <i>he who is</i> cruel troubles his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/11.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A merciful person does himself <i>good,</i> But the cruel person does himself harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/11.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/11.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The man of lovingkindness deals bountifully with his soul, But the cruel man brings trouble on his flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/11.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The merciful <i>and</i> generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him], But the cruel <i>and</i> callous man does himself harm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/11.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel person brings ruin on himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/11.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings disaster on himself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/11.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/11.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Kindness is rewarded--but if you are cruel, you hurt yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/11.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/11.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A merciful person helps himself, but a cruel person hurts himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/11.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />You do yourself a favor when you are kind. If you are cruel, you only hurt yourself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/11.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A gracious man benefits himself, but the cruel person damages himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/11.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/11.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/11.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/11.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/11.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/11.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A kind man is rewarding his own soul, "" And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/11.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A kind man is rewarding his own soul, And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/11.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The man of mercy benefited his soul: and the cruel troubled his flesh.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/11.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A merciful man doth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel casteth off even his own kindred. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/11.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A merciful man benefits his own soul. But whoever is cruel casts out even his close relatives.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/11.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Kindly people benefit themselves, but the merciless harm themselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/11.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Those who are kind reward themselves, but the cruel do themselves harm.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/11.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A pious man does good to his soul; but he who is cruel destroys his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/11.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A pure man lays down a good reward for his soul and an unmerciful man destroys his body.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/11.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/11.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A merciful man does good to his own soul: but the merciless destroys his own body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/11-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2024" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/11.htm">Dishonest Scales</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥā·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">A kind</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/1580.htm" title="1580: gō·mêl (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to treat a person, i.e. Benefit or requite; by implication, to ripen, i.e. to wean.">benefits</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">himself,</a> <a href="/hebrew/394.htm" title="394: ’aḵ·zā·rî (Adj-ms) -- Cruel. From 'akzar; terrible.">but a cruel man</a> <a href="/hebrew/5916.htm" title="5916: wə·‘ō·ḵêr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To stir up, disturb, trouble. A primitive root; properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict.">brings trouble</a> <a href="/hebrew/7607.htm" title="7607: ’ê·rōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Flesh. From sha'ar; flesh, as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood.">on himself.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a></span><br />Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a></span><br />Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-13</a></span><br />Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a></span><br />On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/9-6.htm">2 Corinthians 9:6</a></span><br />Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1-2</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble. / The LORD will protect and preserve him; He will bless him in the land and refuse to give him over to the will of his foes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-5.htm">Psalm 112:5</a></span><br />It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-8</a></span><br />Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? / Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a></span><br />He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh.</p><p class="hdg">merciful</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/41-1.htm">Psalm 41:1-4</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Blessed <i>is</i> he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4-9</a></b></br> Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: <i>he is</i> gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/32-7.htm">Isaiah 32:7,8</a></b></br> The instruments also of the churl <i>are</i> evil: he deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaketh right… </p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-27.htm">Proverbs 15:27</a></b></br> He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-19.htm">Job 20:19-23</a></b></br> Because he hath oppressed <i>and</i> hath forsaken the poor; <i>because</i> he hath violently taken away an house which he builded not; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/4-8.htm">Ecclesiastes 4:8</a></b></br> There is one <i>alone</i>, and <i>there is</i> not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet <i>is there</i> no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither <i>saith he</i>, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This <i>is</i> also vanity, yea, it <i>is</i> a sore travail.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-17.htm">Benefits</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-9.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-11.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-30.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/psalms/15-4.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/psalms/145-17.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-34.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/psalms/109-5.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-11.htm">Rewarding</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-3.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-9.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/psalms/142-2.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/job/23-16.htm">Troubleth</a> <a href="/psalms/35-12.htm">Troubling</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-11.htm">Benefits</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Cruel</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-23.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-21.htm">Harm</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-28.htm">Hurts</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-10.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Rewarded</a> <a href="/jeremiah/32-19.htm">Rewarding</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-27.htm">Trouble</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Troubles</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Troubleth</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-29.htm">Troubling</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 11</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/11-1.htm">On Deception</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/11.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/11.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A kind man benefits himself</b><br>The concept of kindness in the biblical context often aligns with the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses mercy, loving-kindness, and loyalty. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, acts of kindness were not only moral imperatives but also practical necessities for community survival. The principle that kindness benefits the giver is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/proverbs/19-17.htm">Proverbs 19:17</a>, which states that lending to the poor is lending to the Lord, who will repay. This reflects a divine economy where acts of kindness are rewarded by God. The New Testament reinforces this idea in <a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7</a>, where Paul writes about reaping what one sows, suggesting that kindness yields positive returns. Jesus exemplified ultimate kindness through His sacrificial love, teaching that those who show mercy will receive mercy (<a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a>).<p><b>but a cruel man brings trouble on himself</b><br>Cruelty, in contrast, is often associated with sin and rebellion against God's commandments. The Hebrew term for cruelty can imply violence or injustice, which disrupts the harmony intended by God for His creation. Historical accounts in the Bible, such as the story of Pharaoh's oppression of the Israelites, illustrate how cruelty leads to downfall and divine judgment. <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Proverbs 22:8</a> warns that those who sow injustice will reap calamity, reinforcing the idea that cruelty ultimately leads to self-destruction. The cultural context of the ancient world, where retribution was a common theme, supports the notion that cruelty invites trouble. This principle is further illustrated in the New Testament, where Jesus warns that those who live by the sword will die by the sword (<a href="/matthew/26-52.htm">Matthew 26:52</a>), emphasizing the self-destructive nature of cruelty.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>- The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed. The wisdom literature was intended to guide the Israelites in their daily lives and spiritual walk.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kind_man.htm">The Kind Man</a></b><br>- Represents individuals who show mercy and kindness, reflecting God's character in their actions.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_cruel_man.htm">The Cruel Man</a></b><br>- Represents individuals who act with harshness and lack of compassion, often leading to negative consequences for themselves and others.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_principle_of_reciprocity.htm">The Principle of Reciprocity</a></b><br>Kindness and cruelty have reciprocal effects. When we act kindly, we often receive kindness in return, while cruelty tends to invite trouble.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to reflect God's kindness and mercy in our interactions with others. This is a testimony of our faith and a witness to the world.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_our_actions.htm">The Impact of Our Actions</a></b><br>Our actions have consequences not only for others but also for ourselves. Choosing kindness can lead to personal peace and relational harmony.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/cultivating_a_heart_of_kindness.htm">Cultivating a Heart of Kindness</a></b><br>Developing a habit of kindness requires intentionality and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves seeing others through God's eyes and responding with love.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_the_pitfalls_of_cruelty.htm">Avoiding the Pitfalls of Cruelty</a></b><br>Cruelty often stems from a hardened heart or unresolved anger. Addressing these root issues through prayer and accountability can prevent the negative outcomes associated with cruelty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_11.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 11</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_mental_illness.htm">What does the Bible say about mental illness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_any_law_against_such_things.htm">Is there any law against such things?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_a_'cruel_messenger'_fit_a_kind_deity.htm">Proverbs 17:11 describes a 'cruel messenger' sent against rebels. How can this align with the notion of a benevolent deity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_proverbs_10_3_with_starving_believers.htm">Proverbs 10:3 claims God prevents the righteous from going hungry--how do we reconcile this with starving believers throughout history?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/11.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">The merciful man.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">one who shows love. </span>(See above on <a href="/proverbs/3-3.htm" title="Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them on the table of your heart:">Proverbs 3:3</a>.) Our good and evil deeds return to us in blessings or curses. (Comp. <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm" title="The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that waters shall be watered also himself.">Proverbs 11:25</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/11.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The merciful man;</span> the kind, loving man. Septuagint, <span class="greek">ἀνὴρ ἐλεήμων</span>. His own soul; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> himself. His good deeds return in blessings upon himself. "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (<a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a>) <span class="cmt_word">Troubleth his own flesh;</span> brings retribution on himself. Some commentators, comparing Ecclus. 14:5 ("He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good?"), translate, "He who does good to himself is a kind man to others, and he who troubles his own body will be cruel to others." The sentiment is quite untrue. Self-indulgence does not lead to regard for others; and a severe, ascetic life, while it encourages stern views of human weaknesses, does not make a man cruel and uncharitable. The Vulgate takes "his own flesh" to mean "his neighbours," as Judah calls his brother Joseph "our flesh" (<a href="/genesis/37-27.htm">Genesis 37:27</a>). But the parallelism confirms the Authorized Version. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/11-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A kind</span><br /><span class="heb">חָ֑סֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·seḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> </span><span class="str2">Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֣ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">benefits</span><br /><span class="heb">גֹּמֵ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(gō·mêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1580.htm">Strong's 1580: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">himself,</span><br /><span class="heb">נַ֭פְשׁוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(nap̄·šōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> </span><span class="str2">A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion </span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a cruel man</span><br /><span class="heb">אַכְזָרִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ·zā·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_394.htm">Strong's 394: </a> </span><span class="str2">Terrible</span><br /><br /><span class="word">brings trouble</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעֹכֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ō·ḵêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5916.htm">Strong's 5916: </a> </span><span class="str2">To roil water, to disturb, affict</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on himself.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁ֝אֵר֗וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7607.htm">Strong's 7607: </a> </span><span class="str2">Flesh, as living, for, food, food of any kind, kindred by blood</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/11-17.htm">Proverbs 11:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/11-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good to his (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/11-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 11:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 11:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 11:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>