The word “soul” is often just a reference to a human being, a person, as in Gen 46:15, 18, 22, 25-27. So, when the Bible refers to a man loving his own soul and doing good to his own soul, he loves himself. This kind of love is not the self-love about which Paul warned us in 2 Tim 3:2. This is a love and care for oneself that is healthy and appropriate because we are God’s people.
Therefore, certain texts encourage you to be a man who loves and does good to his own soul. A man who loves his own soul:
Gets wisdom and keeps understanding – Prov 19:8. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. See the converse of this in Prov 8:36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. And also in Prov 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
Keeps the commandment – Prov 19:16. He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die. This is true in Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. And 1 Pet 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, as well.
Befriends excellent men – 1 Sam 18:1, 3, 20:17. Jonathan loved David as his own soul. David was an excellent choice for a friend. Notice what one of Saul’s servants said about David’s character in 1 Sam 16:18. A man who loves his own soul will befriend excellent men. And he will love his wife, too. He that loveth his wife loveth himself, Eph 5:28.
Extends mercy to others – Prov 11:17. The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh. Ps 18:25 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright. Extending mercy to others is beneficial to you.
Refuses adultery – Prov 6:32. But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. So, he won’t do this with a woman. However, this is a common sin among men and women. Sadly, a very charismatic preacher who moved to Utah to help Mormons seeking the truth from the Bible ended up committing adultery with several women in the Bible study group. A man determined to refuse adultery will be careful not commit adultery with his eyes, as well, Matt 5:28. Because this is what often leads to the act.
Loses his life for Christ’s sake – Mark 8:34-38. v.35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. v.36, For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? A man that loves his own soul will trust Christ with his life more than he will trust himself with his life, even if he has to suffer.