17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.
17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
17 When you're kind to others, you help yourself; when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself.
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
17 Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
Commentary on Proverbs 11:17
(Read Proverbs 11:17)
A cruel, froward, ill-natured man, is vexatious to those that are, and should be to him as his own flesh, and punishes himself.