Parallel Verses

New American Standard Bible

The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm.

King James Version

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

Holman Bible

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

International Standard Version

A gracious man benefits himself, but the cruel person damages himself.

A Conservative Version

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.

Amplified


The merciful and generous man benefits his soul [for his behavior returns to bless him],
But the cruel and callous man does himself harm.

Bible in Basic English

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

Darby Translation

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

Julia Smith Translation

The man of mercy benefited his soul: and the cruel troubled his flesh.

King James 2000

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

Lexham Expanded Bible

A person of kindness rewards himself, but a cruel [person] harms his own flesh.

Modern King James verseion

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

Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale

He that hath a gentle liberal stomach is merciful; but whoso hurteth his neighbour, is a tyrant.

NET Bible

A kind person benefits himself, but a cruel person brings himself trouble.

New Heart English Bible

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

The Emphasized Bible

The man of lovingkindness, dealeth well with his own soul, but the cruel man, troubleth his own flesh.

Webster

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.

Youngs Literal Translation

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

Interlinear

English(KJV)
Strong's
Root Form
Definition
Usage
man
אישׁ 
'iysh 
Usage: 692

to his own soul
נפשׁ 
Nephesh 
Usage: 753

but he that is cruel
אכזרי 
'akzariy 
Usage: 8

עכר 
`akar 
Usage: 14

Verse Info

Context Readings

Proverbs Of Solomon

16 A gracious woman retains honor. Ruthless and violent men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does himself good,
But the cruel man does himself harm.
18 The wicked works a deceitful work. There is a sure reward for the one who sows righteousness.

Cross References

Matthew 5:7

Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they will receive mercy and compassion.

Matthew 25:34-40

The King will say to those on his right hand: 'Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Job 20:19-23

For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor and left them destitute. He has violently seized houses he did not build.

Psalm 41:1-4

([Psalm of David]) Blessed (happy) is the one who has concern for helpless people. Jehovah will rescue (save) him in times of trouble.

Psalm 112:4-9

Light shines in the darkness for the upright. He is gracious, compassionate, and fair.

Proverbs 15:27

He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house. But he who hates gifts will live.

Ecclesiastes 4:8

There is a man who is by himself, without a companion. He is without son or brother. There is no end to all his work. He never has enough wealth. Nor is his eye satisfied with riches. He never asks: For whom do I labor and deprive myself of pleasure? This too is vanity and a terrible problem.

Isaiah 57:1

The righteous perishes and no man takes it to heart. Merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil.

Isaiah 58:7-12

Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house? When you see the naked, should you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Daniel 4:27

Let my counsel be acceptable to you O King. Stop your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. May there be a lengthening of your prosperity.

Matthew 6:14-15

If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Luke 6:38

Give and it shall be given to you. You will receive a good measure. It will be pressed down, shaken together, running over and they will give it to you. For with the measure that you measure out it will be measured to you also.

2 Corinthians 9:6-14

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.

Philippians 4:17

Not that I seek the gift but I seek the fruit that adds to your account.

James 2:13

For judgment is without mercy to him who shows no mercy. And mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 5:1-5

Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you.

Isaiah 32:7-8

As for a rogue, his weapons are evil. He devises wicked schemes to destroy the afflicted with slander, even though the needy one speaks what is right.

King James Version Public Domain

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers.

International Standard Version Copyright © 1996-2008 by the ISV Foundation.

New American Standard Bible Copyright ©1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved. For Permission to Quote Information visit http://www.lockman.org

American Standard Version Public Domain

NET Bible copyright © 1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NetBible

Basic English, produced by Mr C. K. Ogden of the Orthological Institute - public domain