Proverbs 11:17
15 He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.
16 A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
18 The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.
19 As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own 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 shall obtain mercy.
Read in contextJames 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
Read in contextMatthew 25:34–40
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Read in contextJames 5:1–5
Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.
Read in contextDaniel 4:27
Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Read in contextPsalms 41:1–4
Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Read in contextPhilippians 4:17
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Read in contextMatthew 6:14–15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Read in context