How Kindness Benefits You and Others
Kindness will be rewarded
Proverbs 11:17 is a wise saying that teaches us the value of kindness. It says: “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.” What does this mean and how can we apply it to our lives?
Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is a way of showing love and compassion to others. Kindness can be expressed in many ways, such as helping someone in need, giving a compliment, sharing a smile, or saying a prayer.
Kindness benefits ourselves because it makes us happy, healthy, and blessed. When we are kind to others, we experience joy and satisfaction. We also receive God’s favor and reward. Proverbs 19:17 says: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”1 Kindness also improves our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that kindness can lower blood pressure, reduce stress, boost immunity, and increase longevity.
Kindness benefits others because it makes them feel valued, appreciated, and cared for. When we are kind to others, we brighten their day and lift their spirit. We also inspire them to be kind to others as well. Kindness can create a positive ripple effect that spreads throughout the world. Proverbs 11:25 says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Therefore, let us practice kindness every day and enjoy its benefits for ourselves and others. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
The Characteristics of Kindness in Proverbs 11:17
Proverbs 11:17 is a wise saying that teaches us about the benefits of kindness and the consequences of cruelty. It says:
Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. (NIV)
This verse shows us that kindness is not only good for others, but also for ourselves. Kindness attracts favor from God and from people, while cruelty brings nothing but trouble.
What is Kindness?
Kindness is a quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is a way of showing love and compassion to others, especially to those who are in need or suffering. Kindness is also a way of honoring God, who is kind and merciful to us.
Some examples of kindness are:
- Sharing our resources with others who are poor or needy
- Forgiving those who have wronged us or hurt us
- Helping those who are sick or injured
- Comforting those who are sad or lonely
- Speaking words of encouragement and affirmation
- Showing respect and courtesy to everyone
- Praying for others and blessing them
How Does Kindness Benefit Us?
Kindness benefits us in many ways. Here are some of them:
- Kindness pleases God and brings His blessing. God loves kindness and hates cruelty. He rewards those who are kind and punishes those who are cruel. Proverbs 14:21 says: “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” (ESV)
- Kindness makes us happy and healthy. Kindness releases positive emotions such as joy, peace, gratitude, and satisfaction. It also reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Kindness boosts our immune system, lowers our blood pressure, and improves our heart health. Proverbs 15:13 says: “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” (ESV)
- Kindness builds good relationships and reputation. Kindness creates trust, friendship, and loyalty among people. It also earns us respect, honor, and influence. People are more likely to help us, support us, and cooperate with us when we are kind to them. Proverbs 19:22 says: “What is desired in a man is steadfast love, and a poor man is better than a liar.” (ESV)
How Does Cruelty Harm Us?
Cruelty harms us in many ways. Here are some of them:
- Cruelty angers God and brings His judgment. God hates cruelty and injustice. He judges those who are cruel and oppressive. He also allows them to reap what they sow. Proverbs 21:13 says: “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (ESV)
- Cruelty makes us miserable and unhealthy. Cruelty releases negative emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, and resentment. It also increases stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. Cruelty damages our immune system, raises our blood pressure, and worsens our heart health. Proverbs 17:22 says: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (ESV)
- Cruelty destroys good relationships and reputation. Cruelty creates distrust, hatred, and conflict among people. It also earns us contempt, dishonor, and isolation. People are more likely to avoid us, oppose us, and harm us when we are cruel to them. Proverbs 16:28 says: “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” (ESV)
Conclusion
Proverbs 11:17 teaches us that kindness is a virtue that benefits ourselves and others, while cruelty is a vice that harms ourselves and others. Therefore, we should choose to be kind rather than cruel in all our interactions with people. Kindness is not only a moral duty, but also a smart choice. Kindness is not only a gift to others, but also a reward to ourselves. Kindness is not only a sign of strength, but also a source of joy. Let us be kind as God is kind to us. mak an elaborated article about the characteristics of kindness in proverbs 11:17. Thanks for reading, if you like my article please write your comment or put 50 claps then if ever subscribe here or visit my blog.
“Honesty is the best policy”
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
Reference links:
The story AI outline, the idea created by the author, Medium.Com, Futurisstech.blogspot.com, Photo license by Canva, Photo by Pinterest.com, Google.com. Aklat nang langit.
My earning affiliate links
“Fill free to have access to my affiliate links where I can earn a little bucks after signing up. For every referral I will earn after the complete sign up to:”
