¹⁶ A gracious woman retains honor,
But ruthless men retain riches.
^17 (A)The merciful man does good for his own soul,
But he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.

^10 (A)A righteous man regards the life of his animal,
But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

²³ The poor man uses entreaties,
But the rich answers ^(A)roughly.

^17 (A)He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord,
And He will pay back what he has given.

^10 (A)The soul of the wicked desires evil;
His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.