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Unintended or Unexpected Consequences

Proverbs 11:17 Updated American Standard Version (UASV)
¹⁷A kind man rewards his soul,^[1]
but a cruel man harms his own flesh.

A kind man rewards his soul: Man is used in lines one and two of this verse and has been stated before; this information is applicable to both men and women. A kind (חֶסֶד chesed) man or woman is one, who exudes loyal love, devotion, affection, and is merciful toward others. The Hebrew word (gamal) rendered rewards refers to one who receives benefits for their good actions or behaviors. Soul (נֶפֶשׁ nephesh) means life, person, self.

but a cruel man harms his own flesh: A cruel (אַכְזָרִי akzari) man is one who is ruthless and enjoys inflicting undue pain and suffering on another. Harm (עָכַר akar) is being contrasted with benefits in line one, and it means to hurt, injure, or cause trouble for another. Flesh (שְׁאֵר sheer) is figurative and refers to harming himself, the cruel man, here in this context.

The point of the good advice from this proverb is how we act toward others, be it good or bad, there will be consequences whether our actions were intended or not, or we expected a consequence or not. We may have a habit of being mildly unkind to others in what we say or do, simply but abrasive words or actions. We may think nothing of it; however, in time, those we mistreat harshly will not seek out our company, and loved ones may fall out of love, for there is a limit to the hurt they can endure. These are unintended or unexpected consequences.

Treating others kind can stimulate better health and happiness. Then again, an unkind or cruel person can make himself miserable, angry, annoyed, or upset because he distances himself from others. We may also feel less stressed and find greater joy by being kind to ourselves. For example, we should not make tough, strict, severe or unworkable, impracticable, unlikely to succeed demands on ourselves. Nor should we demean or denigrate or criticize ourselves. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” Jesus Christ said. – Mark 12:31.

[1] Or himself