12:10

Notice the parallel parts that contrast in meaning:

10a
A righteous man regards the life of his animal,

10b but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

12:10a–b

A righteous man…the wicked: In Hebrew, the word translated as righteous is singular, while the word translated as wicked is plural. This variation is for the sake of style. When you translate these terms in your language, you may use singular for one term and plural for the other. You may also use singular or plural for both terms. Use whatever is more natural in your own language.

12:10a

regards the life of his animal: In Hebrew, this phrase is literally “knows the soul of his beast.” It indicates that a righteous person is concerned about or takes care of the life, desires, or needs of his animal. He provides it with enough food, water, and rest. It is implied that a righteous person would also care for more important needs, such as the needs of his servants. For example:

A righteous person cares ⌊even⌋ about the life of his animals (God’s Word)

his animal: The word animal refers to any domesticated, four-footed animal. It includes sheep or goats, cattle, horses, or mules. The singular form of the word probably refers to any such animal or animals that the person owns. Many English versions, including the God’s Word quoted above, use the plural “animals.” You may use whatever is more natural in your language.

Some languages may not have a general word for animal. In such languages, you may be able to use one or more specific terms. For example:

herd-animals and flock-animals
-or-
sheep and cattle

12:10b

but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as tender mercies usually means “compassion.” Some English versions translate this clause more literally. For example:

but the mercy of the wicked is cruel (New Revised Standard Version)

Since it is hard to understand how “mercy” can be “cruel,” scholars have interpreted this clause in different ways:

(1) The Hebrew word here has a sarcastic meaning. It means that even the kindest thing that a wicked person does is actually cruel or is motivated by cruelty. For example:

but even the most compassionate acts of the wicked are cruel (NET Bible)

(2) The Hebrew word refers here to the source of a person’s feelings, which in English is the heart. For example:

but the heart of the wicked is ruthless (New Jerusalem Bible)

(3) The Hebrew word refers here to the behavior of the wicked toward their animals. For example:

but wicked people are cruel to theirs (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1), along with most versions and scholars.

In some languages, it may be difficult to express implied sarcasm. Some other ways to express this meaning are:

but the compassion of wicked people is nothing but cruelty (God’s Word)
-or-
but ⌊even⌋ when a wicked person ⌊tries to be⌋ kind, he ⌊ends up doing what⌋ is cruel
-or-
but ⌊even⌋ the ⌊so-called⌋ kindness of the wicked is cruel ⌊in the estimation of most people⌋

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