11:17

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

17a
A kind man benefits himself,

17b but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.

11:17a

A kind man benefits himself: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates here as kind is the same word that it translated as “loving devotion” in 3:3a. (See the note there.) It refers to a person who shows consistent/faithful love and kindness to others.

Such behavior results in benefits or rewards to the person himself. These benefits may include good health, happiness, or blessings that he receives from the ones he has helped. Other ways to translate this line are:

Faithful love brings its own reward (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
Kind people do themselves a favor (New Century Version)
-or-
You do yourself a favor when you are kind. (Good News Translation)

11:17b

but a cruel man brings trouble on himself: The word cruel can also mean “merciless.” The phrase brings trouble means “causes harm, injury, sickness, or trouble.” Other ways to translate this line are:

cruelty earns trouble for itself (Revised English Bible)
-or-
If you are cruel, you only hurt yourself. (Good News Translation)

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