Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. Our God is a God of mercy. Since He is full of mercy Himself, He is well pleased when He sees us exercise the same towards our fellow-creatures. The wise man here does not speak of tenderness towards others. The merciful man he here represents is a self-interested individual. He "doeth good to his own soul." The merciful is he who is alive to his eternal interests, who is seeking the good of that treasure which is committed to him — "his own soul." How may you promote this most desirable of all objects? 1. He who would do good to his own soul must carefully avoid all manner of sin, whether in thought, word, or deed. The thoughts must be watched. We are to be careful of the words which we utter, so that we may not make our tongues the instruments of evil-speaking, lying, and slandering. And careful also of our conduct and action. 2. Another mark of the object being kept in view, is the habitual study of the Word of God. The Scriptures testify of Christ, and point Him out as the "way, the truth, and the life." 3. Attention to the means of grace. 4. He endeavours to realise an interest in the merits and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. 5. The merciful man, who does good to his own soul, does so only by placing his entire dependence upon the Lord Jesus Christ. (D. Slyman, B.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.WEB: The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. |
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