Proverbs 11:17
Proverbs 11:17 in Multiple Translations
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
The man who has mercy will be rewarded, but the cruel man is the cause of trouble to himself.
If you're kind, you'll be rewarded; but if you're cruel, you'll hurt yourself.
Hee that is mercifull, rewardeth his owne soule: but he that troubleth his own flesh, is cruel.
A kind man is rewarding his own soul, And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
A merciful man doth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel casteth off even his own kindred.
Those who are kind benefit themselves because others will be kind to them, but those who are cruel will hurt themselves because others will be cruel to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גֹּמֵ֣ל
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
אִ֣ישׁ
חָ֑סֶד
וְ/עֹכֵ֥ר
שְׁ֝אֵר֗/וֹ
אַכְזָרִֽי
גֹּמֵ֣ל
gâmal
H1580
to wean
V-Qal
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms
וְ/עֹכֵ֥ר
ʻâkar
H5916
to trouble
Conj | V-Qal
שְׁ֝אֵר֗/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
flesh
N-ms | Suff
אַכְזָרִֽי
ʼakzârîy
H394
cruel
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:17
גֹּמֵ֣ל
gâmal
H1580
"to wean"
V-Qal
This verb means to wean a child or to treat someone well or poorly. It can also mean to ripen or bear fruit, and is translated as bestow, recompense, or requite in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to deal fully with, recompense 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to deal out to, do to 1a2) to deal bountifully with 1a3) to recompense, repay, requite 2) (Qal) to wean a child (Niphal) to be weaned 3) (Qal) to ripen, bear ripe (almonds)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bestow on, deal bountifully, do (good), recompense, requite, reward, ripen, [phrase] serve, mean, yield. See also: Genesis 21:8; Psalms 103:10; Psalms 7:5.
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
חָ֑סֶד
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
וְ/עֹכֵ֥ר
ʻâkar
H5916
"to trouble"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to trouble or disturb, like stirring up water. It is used to describe causing problems or affliction, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to trouble, stir up, disturb, make (someone) taboo 1a) (Qal) to disturb, trouble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be disturbed, be stirred up 1b2) disturbance, calamity (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: trouble, stir. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Kings 18:18; Psalms 39:3.
שְׁ֝אֵר֗/וֹ
shᵉʼêr
H7607
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means flesh or body, and can also refer to food or relatives by blood. It appears in various forms, including in Genesis and Leviticus. The KJV translates it as body, flesh, or kin.
Definition: 1) flesh, food, body, near kin, near kinswoman 1a) flesh 1a1) as food 1a2) for physical power (fig) 1b) flesh relation, blood relation 1c) self Also means: sha.a.rah (שַׁאֲרָה "kinswomen" H7608)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: body, flesh, food, (near) kin(-sman, -swoman), near (nigh) (of kin). See also: Exodus 21:10; Psalms 73:26; Psalms 78:20.
אַכְזָרִֽי
ʼakzârîy
H394
"cruel"
Adj
This Hebrew word means cruel, describing someone who is harsh or unkind. It appears in the Bible to describe cruel people. The KJV translates it as cruel.
Definition: cruel
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: cruel (one). See also: Proverbs 5:9; Isaiah 13:9; Proverbs 11:17.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:17
Context — Dishonest Scales
15He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
16A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
17A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward. 19Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 5:7 | Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. |
| 2 | Matthew 25:34–40 | Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You something to drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? When did we see You sick or in prison and visit You?’ And the King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ |
| 3 | James 2:13 | For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. |
| 4 | Daniel 4:27 | Therefore, may my advice be pleasing to you, O king. Break away from your sins by doing what is right, and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the oppressed. Perhaps there will be an extension of your prosperity.” |
| 5 | Psalms 41:1–4 | 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 surrender him to the will of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness. I said, “O LORD, be gracious to me; heal me, for I have sinned against You.” |
| 6 | Matthew 6:14–15 | 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. |
| 7 | Philippians 4:17 | Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. |
| 8 | 2 Corinthians 9:6–14 | Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others. And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. |
| 9 | James 5:1–5 | Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. Look, the wages you withheld from the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of Hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter. |
| 10 | Psalms 112:4–9 | Light dawns in the darkness for the upright— for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous. It is well with the man who is generous and lends freely, whose affairs are guided by justice. Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. He does not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. |
Proverbs 11:17 Summary
[Proverbs 11:17 teaches us that being kind is not just good for others, but it's also good for us, as it says that a kind man benefits himself. This means that when we show compassion and empathy towards others, we ultimately benefit from it too, as seen in the example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. On the other hand, being cruel or hurtful towards others can bring trouble and negative consequences, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8. By choosing to be kind, we can experience the positive outcomes that come from it, and trust in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a kind man in Proverbs 11:17?
To be a kind man in this verse means to show compassion, empathy, and generosity towards others, as seen in the example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, and this kind of behavior ultimately benefits the one who practices it.
How does a cruel man bring trouble on himself?
A cruel man brings trouble on himself by sowing discord, harming others, and ultimately reaping the consequences of his actions, as warned in Galatians 6:7-8, where it says that we will reap what we sow.
Is being kind a guarantee of success or prosperity?
While being kind can have positive outcomes, as seen in Proverbs 11:17, it is not a guarantee of success or prosperity, as the ultimate outcome is in God's hands, and we are called to trust in Him, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the contrast between a kind man and a cruel man in this verse?
The contrast between a kind man and a cruel man in Proverbs 11:17 highlights the difference between selfless, compassionate behavior and selfish, hurtful behavior, with the kind man benefiting himself and the cruel man bringing trouble on himself, as also seen in the contrast between the righteous and the wicked in Psalm 37:37-38.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can show kindness to those around me, and how can I make kindness a habit in my daily life?
- How do I respond when I see someone being cruel or hurtful to others, and what can I do to help?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be unintentionally bringing trouble on myself through my actions or attitudes, and how can I change them?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of kindness and compassion, even in difficult or challenging situations, and what role does my relationship with God play in this?
Gill's Exposition on 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but (he that is) cruel troubleth his own flesh.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
To his own soul, i.e. to himself, because his liberality shall turn to his own infinite advantage, both in this life and in the next. Cruel; hard-hearted and uncharitable to others. His own flesh; either, 1. His own children or kindred, who are commonly expressed by this very word, for whose sakes he is thus covetous and uncharitable, that he may hoard it up for them; but they, saith the wise man, shall have nothing but trouble and vexation, and God’ s curse with it. Or, 2. Himself, denominated here from his flesh or body, as in the former branch from his soul. But he may seem to mention his flesh rather than his soul, to intimate that the mischiefs of his covetousness shall not only fall upon his soul, which he despiseth, but upon his flesh or outward man, which is the only thing that he feareth.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but [he that is] cruel troubleth his own flesh.Ver. 17. The merciful doth good to his own soul.] His chief business is with and for himself: how to set all to rights within, how to keep a continual sabbath of soul, a constant composedness. He will not violate his conscience to get or retain riches, as Proverbs 11:16, or purchase earth with the loss of heaven. And inasmuch as the body is the soul’ s servant, and should therefore be neither supra negotium, above the business, nor infra negotium, below the business but par negotio, fit for the soul’ s business - it ought not to be pined or pinched with penury and overmuch abstinence, as those impostors, and our Popish merit mongers, that starve their genius, and are cruel to their own flesh. These shall one day hear, "Who required these things at your hands?" Corpus, sive corpor, quasi cordis por, - i.e., puer, sive famulus; ea forma qua mancipor. - Quintipot. Camer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
(17) The merciful man.—Rather, one who shows love. (See above on Proverbs 3:3.) Our good and evil deeds return to us in blessings or curses. (Comp. Proverbs 11:25.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
Verse 17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul] Every gracious disposition is increased while a man is exercised in showing mercy. No man can show an act of disinterested mercy without benefiting his own soul, by improving his moral feeling. But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.] We seldom see a peevish, fretful, vindictive man either in good health, or good plight of body. I have often heard it observed of such, "He frets his flesh off his bones."
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
17. The merciful — The kind, benevolent, or pious. Doeth good to his own soul — To himself; the fruit of his kindness comes back to him. Troubleth his own flesh — Himself.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | This sermon focuses on the message from Micah 6, emphasizing the importance of treating others fairly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God. It highlights the need to do just |
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The Beatitudes the Fifth Beatitude by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the fifth Beatitude, 'Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy,' highlighting that true mercifulness is a reflection of the me |
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The Blessing of Simple Goodness by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of simple goodness in serving Christ, arguing that while eloquence and wealth may attract attention, it is the quiet influence of goodnes |
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Forgiveness by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central theme of the Bible, which is the cross of Jesus Christ. He specifically highlights Isaiah 53 as a passage that reveals the signi |
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Beatitudes - Part 7 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with a woman named Mrs. Crook who shares some distressing news. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God and trustin |
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Beatitudes - Part 9 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a man who had a difficult life. He was sent by his father to his brothers, but they betrayed him and sold him into slavery. He e |
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When You Pray by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prayer and the kingdom of God. He begins by sharing a parable from Matthew 18, where Jesus illustrates the concept of forg |