Proverbs 11:17 Meaning and Explanation
“The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Mercy benefits the merciful person; cruelty harms the cruel person.
The Context of Proverbs 11:17
The self-referential nature of mercy and cruelty.
What Does Proverbs 11:17 Mean?
Mercy shown to others is not merely an external good act; it returns inward. The merciful person benefits his own soul—his inner being, his peace of mind, his character. By choosing compassion, he creates an inner environment of goodness.
Cruelty, by contrast, is a violence that a person commits against his own self. The cruel person 'troubles his own flesh'—creates turmoil within himself, hardens his heart, and damages his own humanity. Cruelty is self-wounding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 11:17
What does Proverbs 11:17 mean?
Mercy benefits the merciful person; cruelty harms the cruel person.
What is the context of Proverbs 11:17?
The self-referential nature of mercy and cruelty.