Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 12:10

10. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast : but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

Which is employed in his Service, he will not destroy it either by labours beyond its strength, or by denying to it necessary food or rest, or by any other way: and much more will he be pitiful to his own Servants, and to poor men.

e There is much cruelty mixed even with their most merciful actions, when they pretend or intend to shew mercy. Heb. the Bowels of the, &c. those very Bowels which in others are the seat of pity in him are hardned and shut up, and onely stir him up to cruelty. In stead of that Mercy which is natural to other men, he hath nothing but cruelty. Their Mercies are here said to be cruel, as the foolishness, and weakness of God, are said to be wise and strong, 1 Cor. 1. 25.

Marginal references: Deut. 25. 4.; Heb. knoweth. Ps. 1. 6.; Or, bowels.