¹⁶ A gracious woman takes hold of honor,
but ruthless men take hold of riches.^[a]
17 A merciful man benefits his own soul,
but a cruel man brings trouble on his own flesh.

¹⁶ A gracious woman takes hold of honor,
but ruthless men take hold of riches.^[a]
17 A merciful man benefits his own soul,
but a cruel man brings trouble on his own flesh.

¹⁰ A righteous person understands the needs of his livestock,
but the compassion of the wicked is cruel.

²⁵ Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs him down,
but a good word brings him joy.

¹⁰ The soul of a wicked person craves evil.
He does not look on his neighbor with mercy.