Proverbs 12:10 (BSB)

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

From Proverbs 12. Also in the ESV.

Commentary on Proverbs 12:10

• Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on Proverbs 12:10: See here, 1. To how great a degree a good man will be merciful; he has not only a compassion for the human nature under its greatest abasements, but he regards even the life of his beast, not only because it is his servant, but because it is God's creature, and in conformity to Providence, which preserves man and beast.
• John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments on Proverbs 12:10: A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast,.... Or "knoweth" it (q); 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...
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown (Reformed), Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible on Proverbs 12:10: 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.
• Geneva Bible Notes (Reformed), Geneva Bible Study Notes on Proverbs 12:10: A righteous [man] regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel. (d) Is merciful, even to the very beast who does him service.