Proverbs 11:16-17 A gracious woman retains honour: and strong men retain riches. The merciful man does good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubles his own flesh. 

‘Gracious’ [Hebrew: chen] grace; favour (11:16; Eccl. 10:12). Translated “grace” 38 times (Gen. 6:8; 19:19; 32:5; Ps. 84:11; etc.). She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.

Scripture here points to a woman who exhibits grace, and the respect she gains from others, as opposed to the money earned by those who are graceless. The implication is that a gracious person can earn both respect and income, whereas a callous person can only gain money.

Grace of manner is deceitful and beauty of form and features will fade, but the woman who fears the Lord shall be praised (31:30).

‘Strong men’ – the diligent, as in the Septuagint and Syriac.

‘The merciful man.’ The man who shows mercy edifies his own soul, but the unmerciful, fretful, and vengeful destroys his own flesh and is sickly in his body.

‘Does good to his own soul.’ Six examples of blessing by kindness: The Kenites (1Sam. 15:6); David (1Sam. 30:11-20); Jonathan (2Sam. 9:7; 21:7); Job (Job 42:10); Cornelius (Acts 10:4); The Maltese (Acts 28:1-10).

‘Troubles this own flesh.’ Six examples of troubling self: Cain (Gen. 4:10-12); Joseph’s brethren (Gen. 37:1-36; 42:21); Adonibezek (Jdg. 1:6-7); Agag (1Sam. 15:33); Haman (Est. 9:25); Jonah (Jon. 4:1-3).