“The merciful and generous man benefits his own soul [for his behavior returns to bless him], But the cruel and callous man does himself harm.” Proverbs 11:17 AMP

In our verse today we see the contrasting results of merciful and generous behavior set against the cruel and callous behavior of the ungodly. The word used here translated merciful is the Hebrew word meaning “loyal love.” It also means unfailing kindness or devotion i.e. a love or affection that is steadfast based upon a relationship. This description was used as God passed before Moses,

“Then the LORD passed by in front of him, and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth (faithfulness);” Exodus 34:6 AMP

Unfailing devotion should be the descriptor of every Christian’s life! We clearly see that in the life of our Savior. He wanted to restore the relationship that Satan destroyed in the garden. It was God’s love and unfailing kindness that drove His to the cross to bear the punishment that was rightly ours. We now as citizens of the Kingdom of God must learn to surrender ourselves and see the bigger picture of His plan. Notice that practicing this kind of life as the verse states, “…benefits his own soul.” There is no greater blessing in this life than inner peace. People are paying millions of dollars to self-proclaimed gurus claiming to know the secret to inner peace. The Scriptures give us the answer for free! Remembering that we are just stewards of the things in our life will help us to keep our hands off them and release them for the Kingdom’s glory. I love this verse because it clearly states that “for his behavior returns to bless him.” I am reminded of the words of Jesus,

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]”

John 14:27 AMP

The ungodly life however can bring no lasting reward. While the merciful and generous man finds peace and success in his or life, the cruel and callous only glory in actions that bring untold damage and destruction to others. It is from the root word meaning to consume food! The wicked are consumed with the need to bring about pain and destruction. It is like a hunger that can never be satisfied. Psalms 37 tells us,

“Do not worry because of evildoers, Nor be envious toward wrongdoers; 2For they will wither quickly like the grass, And fade like the green herb. 3Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. 4Delight yourself in the LORD, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart. 5Commit your way to the LORD; Trust in Him also and He will do it. 6He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun].”

Psalms 37:1-6 AMP

God never promised us an uneventful life! In fact, Jesus warned that there were days coming in which many would give their lives for Him! But through it all He said not to worry! When we see what appears to be the gain of the ungodly, we must remember their end. As the days get darker, our light will shine brighter. We must then hold fast to that which we know truth to be. Let us remember the words of the Book of Hebrews.

“[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].”

Hebrews 12:2 AMP

Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken