Proverbs 11:17
15 He who puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but the one who hates indebtedness is secure.
16 A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.
A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
18 The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.
19 Genuine righteousness leads to life, but the pursuit of evil brings death.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
- KJV
- The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
- WEB
- The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
- ASV
- The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
- DARBY
- The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.
- BLB
- A man of kindness deals well [with] his soul, and a cruel one troubles his flesh.
- ÅB
- En godgjørende mann gjør vel mot seg selv, men en hårdhjertet mann ødelegger seg.
- OTB
- En barmhjertig person gagner seg selv, men de grusomme påfører seg selv skade.
- B1930
- En godgjørende mann gjør vel mot sig selv, men en hårdhjertet mann ødelegger sig.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Read in contextJames 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Read in contextMatthew 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.
Read in contextJames 5:1–5
Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.
Read in contextDaniel 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.”
Read in contextPsalms 41:1–4
Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.
Read in contextPhilippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.
Read in contextMatthew 6:14–15
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Read in context