Proverbs 12:10

Posted by on April 3, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
– Proverbs 12:10

The word for righteous is common and means justice. It gives the idea of dealing justly or fairly with others. Here the righteous man is considerate of the life of his beast. The phrase expresses how thorough his kindness is as it extends to animal life. The law had certain provisions pertaining to animals and their treatment (Exodus 22:20; Leviticus 22:27-28; Deuteronomy 22:6; 25:4). The righteous man has understanding, particularly of the creation and the respect we should have for it. The contrast with the wicked is heightened by comparing their conduct toward people. The word for tender mercies means compassion. The phrase expresses that the wicked have so little regard for others that even their compassion is cruel.

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Proverbs 11:17

Posted by on March 9, 2017 · Leave a Comment 

The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
– Proverbs 11:17

The word for merciful means kindness and also carries the thought of faithfulness. The word for cruel means merciless. The two are contrasted as well as their effects. The point of the proverb is the effect attitudes and actions have on the person more than on others (Proverbs 15:27). By mercy, a man does good to his own soul. Cruelty stirs up and disturbs a man’s own body.

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