Proverbs 11:17 “A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself…”

Proverbs 11:17

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

World English Bible

The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

American Standard Version

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Geneva Bible 1599

Hee that is mercifull, rewardeth his owne soule: but he that troubleth his own flesh, is cruel.

Darby Translation

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; but the cruel troubleth his own flesh.

Young's Literal Translation

A kind man is rewarding his own soul, And the fierce is troubling his own flesh.

Bible in Basic English

The man who has mercy will be rewarded, but the cruel man is the cause of trouble to himself.

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Cross references

“merciful”

Matthew 5:7 Matthew 25:34–40 Psalm 41:1–4 Daniel 4:27 2 Corinthians 9:6–14 Philippians 4:17

Matthew 5:7 · BSB

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 25:34–40 · BSB

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.

Psalm 41:1–4 · BSB

Blessed is the one who cares for the poor; the LORD will deliver him in the day of trouble.

Daniel 4:27 · BSB

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.”

2 Corinthians 9:6–14 · BSB

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Philippians 4:17 · BSB

Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

“but”

James 2:13 James 5:1–5 Proverbs 15:27 Job 20:19–23 Ecclesiastes 4:8

James 2:13 · BSB

For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 5:1–5 · BSB

Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you.

Proverbs 15:27 · BSB

He who is greedy for unjust gain brings trouble on his household, but he who hates bribes will live.

Job 20:19–23 · BSB

For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor; he has seized houses he did not build.

Ecclesiastes 4:8 · BSB

There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile—…

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

16A gracious woman attains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

18The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.

Read Proverbs 11