Proverbs 11:17 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

The merciful man Who is compassionate toward persons in distress, bountiful to such as are in want, and kind to all; doth good to his own soul That is, to himself, because his mercy and liberality shall turn to his own infinite advantage, both in this life and the next. But he that is cruel That is, hard-hearted, and uncharitable to others; troubleth his own flesh Either, 1st, His own children and kindred, for whose sakes he is thus covetous and uncharitable, in order that he may lay up for them; but, as these words imply, they shall have nothing but disappointment, trouble, and vexation with what they receive. Or, 2d, Himself, denominated here from his flesh, or body, as in the former clause, from his soul; perhaps to intimate, that the mischievous effects of his covetousness shall not only fall upon his soul, which he despises, but upon his flesh, or outward man, which is the only thing he fears or regards.