Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 11:17

"The merciful man doeth good to his own soul; But he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh." — Proverbs 11:17 (ASV)

The merciful man.— Rather, one who shows love. (See above on Proverbs 3:3.) Our good and evil deeds return to us in blessings or curses. (Compare to Proverbs 11:25.)