Published: 17 July 2013
http://harmonypb.org/grace-plus-nothing/2013/jul/17/proverbs-1116-17/
16 “A gracious woman retaineth honour: and strong men retain riches.”
It is difficult to steal the riches of a strong man because of his power. The power of a gracious woman is her honor. She that is truly gracious and honorable keeps her honor because she does become haughty or boastful.
17 “The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.”
A truly merciful person is liberal to share his natural and spiritual blessings. In turn, The Lord is pleased to bless him all the more. A cruel person is stingy and will not help others in any way. He is setting himself up to be needy, either through lack of The Lord’s blessing, or in others being just as cruel when he is in need.