Whoever conceals an offense promotes loveThis phrase emphasizes the value of forgiveness and discretion in maintaining relationships. In biblical times, community and family were central to daily life, and maintaining harmony was crucial. Concealing an offense does not imply ignoring sin but rather choosing not to dwell on minor grievances, reflecting the biblical principle of love covering a multitude of sins (
1 Peter 4:8). This aligns with Jesus' teaching on forgiveness, as seen in
Matthew 18:21-22, where He instructs to forgive "seventy times seven" times, highlighting the importance of grace and mercy in relationships.
but he who brings it up separates friends
This part of the verse warns against the dangers of gossip and the constant reminder of past wrongs. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, honor and shame were significant social dynamics. Bringing up offenses could lead to public shame and division, disrupting the social fabric. This is echoed inJames 3:5-6, where the tongue is described as a small part of the body that can cause great harm. The act of bringing up offenses can lead to bitterness and division, contrary to the unity and reconciliation encouraged throughout Scripture, such as inEphesians 4:3, which urges believers to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom.
2.
Ancient IsraelThe cultural and historical context in which Proverbs was written, emphasizing community, relationships, and the law.
3.
The Wise and the FoolishThroughout Proverbs, these archetypes represent those who follow God's wisdom versus those who reject it.
Teaching Points
The Power of ForgivenessForgiveness is a powerful tool that can mend relationships and promote love. By choosing to cover an offense, we reflect God's grace and mercy.
The Dangers of GossipRepeating a matter can lead to division and strife. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, not sowers of discord.
Promoting UnityIn a community, whether it be a family, church, or workplace, unity is essential. Covering offenses helps maintain harmony and strengthens bonds.
Reflecting Christ's LoveBy forgiving and covering offenses, we model the love of Christ, who forgave us and calls us to do the same for others.
Guarding Our WordsWe must be mindful of our speech, ensuring that our words build up rather than tear down relationships.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:9?
2.How does Proverbs 17:9 encourage us to handle offenses in relationships?
3.What does "covers an offense" mean in the context of Proverbs 17:9?
4.How can Proverbs 17:9 be applied to conflict resolution in the church?
5.How does Proverbs 17:9 relate to Jesus' teachings on forgiveness?
6.What practical steps can you take to "promote love" as advised in Proverbs 17:9?
7.How does Proverbs 17:9 guide us in handling conflicts within relationships?
8.What does Proverbs 17:9 reveal about the importance of forgiveness in Christian teachings?
9.How can Proverbs 17:9 be applied to modern-day social media interactions?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17?
11.What does the Bible say about busybodies?
12.What does the Bible say about covering up abuse?
13.What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?
14.Proverbs 9:17 suggests stolen water is sweet. Does this imply that forbidden acts have inherent appeal, and how does this reconcile with other passages condemning theft?What Does Proverbs 17:9 Mean
Whoever conceals an offense• “Whoever conceals an offense” speaks to choosing discretion instead of broadcasting someone’s failure.
• The verse does not condone covering up evil or refusing to confront sin that must be addressed (seeMatthew 18:15), but it urges us to handle offenses privately and graciously.
•Proverbs 10:12 points in the same direction: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.”
•1 Peter 4:8 echoes this wisdom: “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”
• By refusing to gossip or shame, we imitate God’s own restraint toward us (Psalm 103:10–12).
promotes love• Concealing an offense “promotes love”; it lets charity, mercy, and patience flourish instead of resentment.
• Love seeks restoration (1 Corinthians 13:7) and thinks the best of others whenever possible.
• When we quietly forgive or overlook a slight, we mirror God’s lovingkindness (Ephesians 4:32) and bind relationships closer.
• This promotion of love prevents small offenses from snowballing into division (Colossians 3:13–14).
but he who brings it up• “He who brings it up” refers to reviving, repeating, or harping on the offense.
• Continually mentioning past wrongs is the opposite of biblical forgiveness (Isaiah 43:25;Hebrews 8:12).
• Bringing it up can masquerade as seeking justice, yet often stems from pride or bitterness (James 3:14).
•Proverbs 26:20 illustrates the danger: “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”
separates friends• Rehashing offenses “separates friends”; it erodes trust and drives a wedge where closeness once existed.
• The damage can spread beyond two people, unsettling whole communities (Proverbs 16:28).
• Jesus warns that unchecked resentment leads to greater judgment (Matthew 5:23–24).
• Friendship is God’s gift (John 15:12–15), yet fragile when we nurse grudges instead of extending grace.
summaryProverbs 17:9 calls us to protect relationships by handling offenses with quiet mercy rather than loud repetition. Overlooking minor wrongs fosters love; dredging them up fractures fellowship. Walking in this wisdom reflects the forgiving heart of God and safeguards the unity He desires among His people.
(9)
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love--
i.e.,one who does not notice, but rather conceals and excuses, anything done against him; that man "follows after charity" (
1Corinthians 14:1). (Comp.
Proverbs 10:12.)
He that repeateth a matter,who is always returning to old grievances, "alienates (even his) chief friend."
Verse 9. -
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love;
i.e. strives to exercise, put in practice, love (comp.
Zephaniah 2:8;
1 Corinthians 14:4). Thus Nowack. One who bears patiently and silently, extenuates and conceals, something done or said against him, that man follows after charity, obeys the great law of love (comp.
Proverbs 10:12). Some explain the clause to mean, "procures love for himself;" but the second member certainly is not personal, therefore it is more natural to take the first in a general sense.
He that repeateth (harpeth on)
a matter separateth very friends (
Proverbs 16:28). He who is always dwelling on a grievance, returning to it and bringing it forward on every occasion, alienates the greatest friends, only embitters the injury and makes it chronic. Ecclus. 19:7, etc., "Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse. Whether it be to friend or foe, talk not of other men's lives; and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not. For he heard and observed thee, and when time cometh he will hate thee. If thou hast heard a word, let it die with thee; and be bold, it will not burst thee." So the rabbis said: "Abstain from quarrels with thy neighbour; and if thou hast seen something bad of thy friend, let it not pass thy tongue as a slander" (Dukes, § 61). The Mosaic Law had led the way to this duty of forbearance: "Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (
Leviticus 19:18). Septuagint, "He who concealeth injuries seeketh friendship; but he who hateth to conceal them separateth friends and households."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Whoever concealsמְֽכַסֶּה־(mə·ḵas·seh-)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to coveran offenseפֶּ֭שַׁע(pe·ša‘)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6588:Transgressionpromotesמְבַקֵּ֣שׁ(mə·ḇaq·qêš)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1245:To search out, to strive afterlove,אַהֲבָ֑ה(’a·hă·ḇāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 160:Love (noun)but he who brings it upוְשֹׁנֶ֥ה(wə·šō·neh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8138:To fold, duplicate, to transmuteseparatesמַפְרִ֥יד(map̄·rîḏ)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6504:To break through, spread, separatefriends.אַלּֽוּף׃(’al·lūp̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 441:Familiar, a friend, gentle, a bullock, a chieftain
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love (Prov. Pro Pr) 
