Hatred stirs up dissensionHatred, in biblical terms, is often associated with enmity and discord. In the context of Proverbs, it reflects a heart condition that opposes God's command to love one's neighbor. Historically, the Israelites experienced internal strife when hatred was present, such as during the reigns of Saul and David, where jealousy and animosity led to division. The Hebrew word for "stirs up" suggests an active, intentional provocation, indicating that hatred is not passive but seeks to create conflict. This aligns with
James 3:16, which states that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder. Theologically, hatred is contrary to the nature of God, who is love (1
John 4:8), and it disrupts the unity that believers are called to maintain (
Ephesians 4:3).
but love covers all transgressions
Love, as described in Scripture, is a powerful force that seeks the well-being of others and reflects God's character. The phrase "covers all transgressions" echoes the concept of atonement, where sins are forgiven and relationships restored. This is seen in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, which pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose love and sacrifice cover the sins of humanity (1 Peter 4:8). The Hebrew word for "covers" implies a protective action, suggesting that love seeks to protect and preserve relationships rather than expose faults. This is further illustrated in the New Testament, where love is described as patient and kind, not keeping a record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). The covering of transgressions by love is a call to forgiveness and reconciliation, mirroring the forgiveness believers receive through Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for righteous living.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.
3.
Wisdom LiteratureProverbs is part of the wisdom literature in the Bible, which includes practical teachings on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Teaching Points
The Destructive Nature of HatredHatred leads to conflict and division. It is a destructive force that can tear apart relationships and communities. As Christians, we are called to recognize and root out hatred in our hearts.
The Power of Love to HealLove has the power to cover and forgive transgressions. It acts as a healing balm that can restore broken relationships and bring peace. Practicing love in our daily interactions reflects the love of Christ.
Choosing Love Over HatredIn moments of conflict, we have a choice to either stir up dissension or to cover transgressions with love. Choosing love aligns us with God's will and promotes harmony.
Reflecting Christ's LoveAs followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His love. This means forgiving others as we have been forgiven and seeking reconciliation over revenge.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:12?
2.How can we practice love to "cover all transgressions" in daily life?
3.What does Proverbs 10:12 teach about the impact of hatred on relationships?
4.How does 1 Peter 4:8 relate to Proverbs 10:12's message on love?
5.In what ways can love actively "cover" sins within our church community?
6.How can we guard against hatred that "stirs up strife" in our hearts?
7.How does Proverbs 10:12 define the relationship between hatred and love?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of Proverbs 10:12?
9.How does Proverbs 10:12 align with the overall message of the Book of Proverbs?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 10?
11.What does "Love Covers All Wrongs" mean?
12.What does "love covers a multitude of sins" mean?
13.Who was Mother Teresa and what did she achieve?
14.What does the Bible teach about hate?What Does Proverbs 10:12 Mean
Hatred stirs up dissension“Hatred stirs up dissension” (Proverbs 10:12a).
• Hatred lets resentment simmer and overflow, stirring conflict wherever it goes—just asProverbs 15:18 warns that “a hot-tempered man stirs up strife.”
• It dredges up old wounds and keeps them alive, the opposite of Paul’s counsel in1 Corinthians 13:5 that love “keeps no record of wrongs.”
• Gossip, slander, and divisive talk follow in hatred’s wake;James 3:16 notes that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”
• Relationships fracture, families split, churches suffer (Proverbs 29:22). Hatred feeds on pride and refuses the humility God calls for inEphesians 4:31-32.
Love covers all transgressions“but love covers all transgressions” (Proverbs 10:12b).
• Love chooses to forgive and restore. Peter echoes this: “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
• Covering sin does not excuse it; it refuses to broadcast it.Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love.”
• Practical ways love covers:
– Refusing to repeat the offense (Ephesians 4:29).
– Offering forgiveness “just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
– Seeking reconciliation rather than revenge (Romans 12:17-18).
– Protecting the offender’s dignity while addressing the issue (Galatians 6:1).
• Christ embodies this love. At the cross He bore our sins (1 John 4:10), showing that true love sacrifices self to spare another.
summaryProverbs 10:12 contrasts two powerful forces. Hatred stirs conflict, revives offenses, and multiplies hurt. Love chooses the opposite path—covering sins through forgiveness, restraint, and Christ-like sacrifice. Where hatred divides, love heals, making peace possible in homes, churches, and communities.
(12)
Hatred stirreth up strifes. . .--Hatred rakes up again old feuds which have slumbered, but love covers up and refuses to look at any wrong done to it. A similar expression occurs in
1Peter 4:8 and
James 5:20, though probably in a somewhat different sense. (See the note on the former passage.)
Verse 12. -
Hatred stirreth up strife (
Proverbs 6:14).
Love covereth all sins (
Proverbs 17:9). The reference is primarily to the blood feud, the existence of which led to the establishment of the cities of refuge. Hatred keeps alive the old feeling of revenge, and seeks opportunities of satisfying it; but love puts aside, forgets and forgives all offences against itself. This sentiment comes very near the great Christian principle, "Love covereth a multitude of sins" (
1 Peter 4:8; comp.
1 Corinthians 13:4;
James 5:20). The Talmud pronounces, "To love a thing makes the eye blind, the ear deaf;" and the Arab says, "Love is the companion of blindness." Septuagint, "Love (
φιλία) covereth all those who love not strife."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Hatredשִׂ֭נְאָה(nə·’āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8135:Hating, hatredstirs upתְּעוֹרֵ֣ר(tə·‘ō·w·rêr)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5782:To rouse oneself, awakedissension,מְדָנִ֑ים(mə·ḏā·nîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4090:A contest, quarrelbut loveאַהֲבָֽה׃(’a·hă·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 160:Love (noun)coversתְּכַסֶּ֥ה(tə·ḵas·seh)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coverallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everytransgressions.פְּ֝שָׁעִ֗ים(pə·šā·‘îm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6588:Transgression
Links
Proverbs 10:12 NIVProverbs 10:12 NLTProverbs 10:12 ESVProverbs 10:12 NASBProverbs 10:12 KJV
Proverbs 10:12 BibleApps.comProverbs 10:12 Biblia ParalelaProverbs 10:12 Chinese BibleProverbs 10:12 French BibleProverbs 10:12 Catholic Bible
OT Poetry: Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife but love covers (Prov. Pro Pr) 
