Proverbs 11:17
The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
Original Language Analysis
גֹּמֵ֣ל
doeth good
H1580
גֹּמֵ֣ל
doeth good
Strong's:
H1580
Word #:
1 of 7
to treat a person (well or ill), i.e., benefit or requite; by implication (of toil), to ripen, i.e., (specifically) to wean
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
to his own soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
to his own soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
חָ֑סֶד
The merciful
H2617
חָ֑סֶד
The merciful
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
4 of 7
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְעֹכֵ֥ר
troubleth
H5916
וְעֹכֵ֥ר
troubleth
Strong's:
H5916
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to roil water; figuratively, to disturb or affict
Cross References
Matthew 5:7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.Isaiah 57:1The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.Daniel 4:27Wherefore, 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.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
Historical Context
Reflects biblical theme that how we treat others affects our own souls. The mercy-judgment principle appears throughout Scripture - merciful receive mercy; merciless face judgment (Matt 5:7, James 2:13).
Questions for Reflection
- How has showing mercy to others blessed your own soul?
- In what ways does cruelty toward others harm your own spiritual and emotional health?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. Mercy benefits the merciful person himself - kindness to others is ultimately self-blessing. Cruelty harms the cruel - brutality damages one's own humanity. This principle refutes purely utilitarian ethics while showing that virtue produces human flourishing. Mercy and cruelty both return to their source.