Proverbs 11:17

17 A kind man benefits himself. But a mean person brings trouble on himself.

Proverbs 11:17 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 11:17

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul
Or "to himself": a man of mercy or grace, a liberal bountiful man, he comfortably enjoys what God has given him, ( Ecclesiastes 5:18 ) ; and he does good to others with it, and thereby does good to himself also; as well as he is solicitous in a spiritual sense for the good and welfare of his immortal soul; but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh;
a sordid avaricious man withholds from himself that which is meet, will not allow himself the necessaries of life, nor will he provide that which is fit and convenient for his family; he hides himself from his own flesh, and will not communicate to the wants of his nearest friends and relations, and shuts up his bowels of compassion against his own brother; all which may be called a troubling his own flesh; see ( Isaiah 58:7 ) . R. Levi Ben Gersom interprets this of such who place religion in afflicting and macerating the body by fasting, which the law does not require; and it may fitly be applied to the Papists, who do this by penances and fastings, and whippings and scourgings; and which the apostle calls a neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh, ( Colossians 2:23 ) .

Proverbs 11:17 In-Context

15 Anyone who puts up money for what someone else owes will certainly suffer. But a person who doesn't agree to pay up for someone else is safe.

16 A woman who has a kind heart gains respect. But men who are not kind gain only wealth.

17 A kind man benefits himself. But a mean person brings trouble on himself.

18 Those who do what is wrong really earn nothing. But those who plant what is right will certainly be rewarded.

19 Right living leads to life. But anyone who runs after evil will die.