Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. Mercy to sufferers is the disposition to relieve; mercy to offenders is the disposition to forgive. The two are infinitely united in God. Under His government all sufferers are offenders. It is only as offenders that they are sufferers, and when He pardons the offence He cancels the sentence to suffering. And in every good man the two are united. They should, indeed, be regarded as one principle, operating in different departments. The merciful man, whether considered in the one light or in the other — in exercising forgiveness or in relieving distress — "doeth good to his own soul"; he effectually consults his own interests. In the exercise of the generous and kindly affections there is a genuine and exquisite happiness. (R. Wardlaw.) 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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