 | A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. |
 | A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. |
 | A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, But even the compassion of the wicked is cruel. |
| Proverbs 12:10 |
Commentary
This proverb follows a commonly used literary tool of contrast. To follow in the ways of God (the righteous) causes one to pay attention to the smallest details with care. In a similar way, those who resist the ways of God (the wicked) have no hope of compensating for their hardness of heart. Even acts of kindness won't cover selfish motives.
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, Grace NYC