Proverbs 17:9 kjv

He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Proverbs 17:9 nkjv

He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

Proverbs 17:9 niv

Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:9 esv

Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.

Proverbs 17:9 nlt

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven,
but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Proverbs 17 verses

Proverbs 17 9 Meaning

Proverbs 17:9 clearly contrasts two fundamental approaches to handling offenses within relationships. One who graciously "covers" or overlooks a transgression, acting out of genuine affection, strives to preserve or build up loving bonds. Conversely, the one who relentlessly repeats or rehashes a past mistake or incident actively dismantles trust and causes estrangement, even among close friends. The verse is a profound lesson in choosing the path of reconciliation and unity through a love-driven, forgiving spirit, rather than perpetuating division through careless or malicious words.

Proverbs 17 9 Context

Proverbs 17 belongs to the second collection of Solomon's proverbs (Proverbs 10:1–22:16), which presents short, often antithetical, statements offering practical wisdom for daily life and virtuous conduct. This chapter, like many in Proverbs, provides concise insights into the nature of human character, the importance of discernment, the value of various relationships, and especially, the profound impact of words. Verse 9 is strategically placed amidst sayings that discuss the significance of character over wealth (v.6), the dangers of evil deeds (v.11), and the reward for justice (v.15). Its specific focus is on social dynamics, highlighting how attitudes toward others' mistakes—whether mercifully "covered" or maliciously "repeated"—fundamentally shape friendships and community harmony. The wisdom tradition places high value on peace and unity, often achieved by managing speech.

Proverbs 17 9 Word analysis

• He who covers:

  • Hebrew: מְכַסֶּה (mekasseh), from the root kasah (כָּסָה), meaning "to cover, conceal, hide."
  • Significance: Denotes a deliberate act of choosing not to expose, magnify, or hold against another a past offense. It suggests an intention to bring an end to the issue's destructive potential, often for the purpose of reconciliation. This is active, intentional mercy.

• an offense:

  • Hebrew: פֶּשַׁע (pesha'), meaning "transgression, rebellion, revolt, sin."
  • Significance: Indicates that the wisdom applies not just to minor mistakes, but potentially to serious wrongdoings. The emphasis is on how even significant breaches of conduct can be wisely handled to foster healing, particularly when repentance or acknowledgment is present.

• seeks love:

  • Hebrew: מְבַקֵּשׁ אַהֲבָה (mevakesh 'ahavah). Mevakesh is "one who seeks/desires," and 'ahavah is "love."
  • Significance: Reveals the profound motivation behind covering an offense. The purpose is not passive avoidance, but an active pursuit of love and relationship. Love here implies not just affection, but covenant loyalty and a desire for restored harmony.

• but he who repeats:

  • Hebrew: שָׁנָה (shanah), meaning "to repeat, do again, duplicate."
  • Significance: Refers to habitually bringing up, rehashing, or dwelling on an issue. It can involve gossip, slander, or simply holding onto resentment by constantly reminding someone of their past misdeeds.

• a matter:

  • Hebrew: דָּבָר (davar), meaning "word, thing, affair, incident, utterance."
  • Significance: Broad in scope, encompassing anything that can be discussed—a past error, a private conversation, a piece of gossip, or any specific detail about an offense. The focus is on the content that, when repeated, causes harm.

• separates:

  • Hebrew: מַפְרִיד (mafrid), meaning "to separate, divide, cause estrangement." From the causative form of a root implying "to bear fruit, be fruitful," but in this construction meaning "to cause separation."
  • Significance: Clearly states the destructive outcome. Repeating a matter leads to active fracturing and breakdown of relationships, causing emotional and relational distance between people.

• friends:

  • Hebrew: אַלּוּף (alluph), meaning "close associate, intimate friend, trusted companion, chief."
  • Significance: Emphasizes that this destructive action hurts not mere acquaintances, but deeply valued, close relationships. The pain of division is magnified when it breaks bonds of intimate friendship.

Words-group Analysis

• He who covers an offense seeks love: This first part articulates a proactive, compassionate, and wise strategy for relationship management. It teaches that the foundation of true love and unity lies in the willingness to extend grace and refrain from exposing or perpetually dwelling on the faults of others. This is an ethical stance centered on reconciliation and building bridges, reflecting divine mercy.
• but he who repeats a matter separates friends: This starkly contrasting clause serves as a solemn warning against the destructive power of the tongue and unforgiving spirit. It illustrates that whether through gossip, relentless fault-finding, or an inability to let go of past hurts, reiterating grievances inevitably erodes trust, fosters resentment, and leads to the breaking of precious bonds. It underscores that words can be tools for tearing down just as powerfully as they can be for building up.

Proverbs 17 9 Bonus section

The wisdom of "covering an offense" echoes throughout the Bible, deeply connected to God's own character. Just as the Lord "covers" and "remembers no more" the sins of those He forgives (e.g., Ps 85:2; Isa 43:25), so too are believers called to emulate this divine attribute in their human interactions. This principle fosters reconciliation and demonstrates grace, forming the very essence of agape (selfless, unconditional love) found in the New Testament. The proverb implies a practical, tangible outworking of faith where genuine love motivates silence over exposure, and peace over strife. Furthermore, it speaks to the transformative power of a reconciled heart versus one held captive by past grievances, underlining that emotional and spiritual maturity often involves the intentional choice to release hurts for the sake of higher good—loving relationships and a harmonious community.

Proverbs 17 9 Commentary

Proverbs 17:9 succinctly captures a vital principle for relational harmony within any community, particularly among believers. The first clause celebrates the wisdom of merciful discretion: "He who covers an offense seeks love." This is not about condoning sin or hiding wrongdoing that requires justice, but rather about extending grace and forgiveness to the penitent, or charitably overlooking minor faults that, if dwelled upon, would only breed resentment. The motivation is crucial: a genuine desire to cultivate and preserve love, akin to how the Lord in His mercy "covers" our sins. This act prevents an offense from perpetually hindering a relationship and allows for healing and growth.

In stark contrast, the second clause, "but he who repeats a matter separates friends," highlights the destructive nature of an unforgiving spirit and the perils of the gossiping tongue. To constantly rehash a past fault, spread gossip, or continually remind someone of their mistakes, inevitably sows discord. Such behavior focuses on the negative, magnifies flaws, and strips away the dignity of the person, causing rifts that can devastate even the closest of friendships. The proverb teaches that true wisdom recognizes the corrosive effect of unbridled speech and chosen unforgiveness, advocating instead for the compassionate silence and a pursuit of peace that nurtures community and solidifies genuine love.

• Examples for practical usage:
  • Instead of constantly reminding your spouse of a past mistake during an argument, choose to let it remain covered and focus on the current issue with grace.
  • When you hear gossip about someone, decide not to spread it further but to put a merciful "cover" on the information, thereby protecting their reputation and the unity of the group.
  • After an apology is offered and accepted for an offense, a wise person does not bring it up again later, showing true forgiveness that seeks love over judgment.