The Cruel Man Troubleth His Own Flesh

Written on 4 April 2025.

The Cruel Man Troubleth His Own Flesh

The Word of God reveals a powerful truth in Proverbs 11:17 (KJV):

> "The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh."

This verse stands on its own as a warning and a mirror — a cruel man harms himself. But Scripture never stands alone. It weaves a deep pattern, showing that this principle applies across the entire sphere of human relationships: siblings, spouses, children, even extended kin. Flesh in Scripture is not only one's body, but also those bound to us by blood, covenant, and creation.

Flesh as Family

When Joseph's brothers plotted to kill him, Judah intervened with these words:

> "Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, and let not our hand be upon him; for he is our brother and our flesh." — Genesis 37:27 (KJV)

Even in their envy and treachery, there was a spark of conscience — an awareness that cruelty against a brother was cruelty against their own flesh.

This concept deepens in the covenant of marriage:

> "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh." — Genesis 2:23 (KJV) > > "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh..." — Ephesians 5:28–29 (KJV)

Thus, a man's cruelty is never isolated. If he is cruel, he wounds his wife, his children, his brother — and ultimately, himself.

Generational Destruction

Cruelty in one member of the family can echo down through generations. Cain killed Abel — and became cursed. David's son Absalom rose up against his own father and perished. Nabal's harshness nearly destroyed his household until Abigail intervened.

These are not just stories; they are case studies in what Proverbs warns: cruelty always turns inward. A man who raises his hand, tongue, or schemes against his own kin is digging a pit — a snake pit — into which he will eventually fall:

> "He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made." — Psalm 7:15 (KJV)

Cruelty is self-destructive, and the more tightly connected the victim is to the perpetrator, the more severe the self-inflicted wound. This is especially true in families — for to strike your brother, your wife, or your son is to strike your own flesh.

The Way Out of the Snake Pit

But there is hope. Even if a man has troubled his own flesh, lived cruelly, and walked among serpents — the gospel can reach him. Jesus said:

> "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." — John 5:24 (KJV)

And again:

> "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." — 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)

The man who once bit like a serpent can be given power to tread on them. He receives the Holy Ghost. He is made a new creature. Though he once lived in death and destruction, he is transferred — from darkness to light, from wrath to peace, from the pit to the promise.

This is not a process. It is an act of God, instant and eternal, by grace through faith alone.

Conclusion

A man’s flesh includes his body, but also his wife, his children, his brothers, and his kin. The cruel man, whether with fists, words, or schemes, does not just hurt others — he troubles his own flesh. But the gospel of Jesus Christ offers rescue from the snake pit. He gives new life, a new spirit, and a new heart — instantly — to all who believe.

Let the cruel man see the ruin of his path. Let him believe, and pass from death unto life.