The King James translates this differently. It renders kindhearted as “Gracious”. The Hebrew word used to describe a ruthless man can mean “tyrannical” or “powerful”. The verse reminds me of the Book of Ruth. We read there of kindhearted Ruth. A strong, powerful man, Boaz is won over by her graciousness. Boaz stood firm in the midst of famine. He was a respected leader of men but, really, he had nothing until Ruth was his wife!