A merciful person does himself good,
But the cruel person does himself harm.
Message: Be Kind
Time: Proverbs records multiple individuals as its author with Solomon as the principal author. Solomon died in 931 BC though most think the book was likely in its final form sometime before the end of Hezekiah’s reign in 686 BC. It is a book that instructs people on the path of wisdom. It speaks to all of life and living our lives under the authority and direction of God.
What the Lord is Saying: The contrasts here are between a merciful and cruel person with one who acts in a way that is is good for the individual while the other acts in a way that is harmful. Some of these proverbs are rather simple, straightforward and perhaps a little obvious. Have mercy, this is good. Being cruel does you harm. My actions and your actions make a difference. Yet, maybe the difference that writer is making here is doing these things for others makes an impact for sure on them, but what is noted here is that it makes an impact on me. The one who gives mercy reaps the benefit. The one who is cruel is impacted by this. Wow. I just saw this. I started this yesterday and initial didn't see the connecting in this verse and the significance, but it has personal significance on me. The person who acts reaps.
We have been studying kindness in our Sunday School class and one thing that I notice, even though it seems a little overwhelming at times in the lesson in all its variance is that the kind person has an impact in a variety of ways and this kindness has far reaching impacts. There are numerous ways that we can be kind. It is not only through words, but actions such as listening or opening a door.
On the flip side, cruelty doesn't simply happen when we are assaulting with words or actions, but it can happen in subtle manners. All forms of sin are cruel.
On Bible Hub there are 5 questions related to this verse:
1. How does the principle of "reaping what you sow" apply to the concepts of kindness and cruelty in Proverbs 11:17?
Being kind or merciful benefits others as well as your self. Being cruel toward others hurts others and hurts yourself.
2. In what ways can you intentionally cultivate kindness in your daily interactions, and what impact might this have on your relationships?
I sense often I am prompted by the Spirit. When seeing a need, I can take it on myself. Like grabbing someone's cup after Sunday School or taking a shopping cart so someone does not have to take it to their spot. It is taking a moment to see people.
3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the benefits of kindness or the consequences of cruelty. How did this experience shape your understanding of Proverbs 11:17?
For kindness I often think of my mother who was so kind to me always in providing for me and giving me gifts, thoughtful gifts. My father provided so much for me growing up, wanting me to experience different adventures. I remember a friend across the street deciding he didn't want to be my friend any longer. That was hard in the way he did it.
4. How can the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) enhance our understanding of the importance of kindness?
In general, one of the things the teachings of Jesus does is take our focus off of ourselves and this seems to be the focus of kindness, thinking of others first. And then as we do this, we receive a blessing. We all want things good for ourselves and we can achieve it through kindness.
5. What practical steps can you take to address any tendencies toward cruelty in your life, and how can you seek God's help in this process?
Lord, help me to understand how I am cruel. I think often I am cruel with my thoughts toward others and then over time those thoughts start making their way into my dreams at night and finally into my emotions during the day. It is subtle but it happens. Help me to be focused on being kind to others even in my thoughts.
In the King James, the word here described as merciful is "kind" in the King James. It is the Hebrew word "chesed," which encompasses mercy, loving-kindness, and loyalty.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this lesson today and for taking the time to think about these contrasts, merciful or kindness and then also cruelty and helping me see that I have issues with doing the good less and the bad more. Reverse the trend in my life. Help me to be the one you have called me to be.
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