Proverbs 12:10

“A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast, etc.] Or “knoweth” itf329; knows the worth of it and values it, and takes care of it, and is concerned for the preservation of it; he provides sufficient food for it, and gives it; he does not overwork it, but allows it proper rest from labour; and, if in any disorder, will make use of all suitable means to heal it; see an instance of the care of Jacob, that righteous man, of his cattle, (<013314>Genesis 33:14); and, on the other hand, see an instance of a wicked man’s cruelty to his beast in Balaam, for which he was reproved, (<042228>Numbers 22:28); by various laws and rules which God has given, it is his will that men should be merciful…”

“regardeth--literally, "knoweth" (Psa 1:6). mercies . . . cruel--as acts of compassion ungraciously rendered to the needy. The righteous more regards a beast than the wicked a man.”

“Regardeth - literally, “knoweth.” All true sympathy and care must grow out of knowledge. The duty of a person to animals: (1) rests upon direct commandments in the Law Exodus 20:10; Exodus 23:4-5; (2) connects itself with the thought that the mercies of God are over all His works, and that man’s mercy, in proportion to its excellence, must be like His Jonah 4:11; and (3) has perpetuated its influence in the popular morality of the East. Tender mercies - Better, “the feelings, the emotions,” all that should have led to mercy and pity toward man. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Regardeth - He will not destroy it either by labour beyond its strength, or by denying it necessary food or rest. Cruel - There is cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions. Proverbs 12:11”

“righteous: Gen 33:13, Gen 33:14; Num 22:28-32; Deu 25:4; Joh 4:11 but: Gen 37:26-28; Jdg 1:7; Sa1 11:2; Joh 19:31, Joh 19:32; Jam 2:13-16 tender mercies: or, bowels, Jo1 3:17 Proverbs 12:11”

“10 The righteous knows how his cattle feel, And the compassion of the godless is cruel. The explanation: the righteous taketh care for the life of his beast (Fl.), fails, for 10a is to be taken with Exo 23:9; נפשׁ signifies also the state of one's soul, the frame of mind, the state of feeling; but ידע has, as in the related proverb, Pro 27:23, the meaning of careful cognizance or investigation, in conformity with which one acts. If the Tor includes in the law of the Sabbath ( Exo 20:10; Exo 23:12) useful beasts and cattle, which are here especially meant, and secures to them the reward of their labour ( Deu 25:4); if it forbids the mutilation, and generally the giving of unnecessary pain, to…”