Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 11:17 — Meaning and Application
King James Version
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but {he that is} cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
Proverbs 11:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
He that is surety for a stranger shall smart {for it}: and he that hateth suretiship is sure. {smart: Heb. be sore broken} {suretiship: Heb. those that strike hands}
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.
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness {shall be} a sure reward.
As righteousness {tendeth} to life: so he that pursueth evil {pursueth it} to his own death.
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