Proverbs 11:17

The merciful man. The kindly, helpful man who unselfishly gives assistance to others is also taking the surest way to help himself. Contrariwise, the mean, cruel man harms himself as well as others. One reason for this is that the indulgence of any tendency or trait of character, whether good or bad, increasingly strengthens it. Another reason is that moods and actions are reflected back from others. A cruel action is likely to arouse cruelty in others, a kindly deed will return in helpful friendship from those so aided (see Matt. 5: 7; 7:2, 12).