Proverbs 11:17

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15 He who is ^asurety for a stranger will suffer,
But one who hates¹ being surety is secure.

16 A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.

17 ^aThe merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

18 The wicked man does deceptive work,
But ^ahe who sows righteousness will have a sure reward.

19 As righteousness leads to ^alife,
So he who pursues evil pursues it to his own ^bdeath.

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

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Proverbs 11:17

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul - Every gracious disposition is increased while a man is exercised in showing mercy. No man can show an act of disinterested mercy without benefiting his own soul, by improving his moral feeling.

But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh - We seldom see a peevish, fretful, vindictive man either in good health, or good plight of body. I have often heard it observed of such, "He frets his flesh off his bones."

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