(Proverbs 17:9 KJV) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
I find this verse a bit confusing. Is it good or bad to cover a “transgression” ? Is this a comment about our motivation or our actions? The key is understanding what “covers” (3680) means. My problem is that I tend to think of this in terms of forgiveness and patience. After all, love is patient. Love does not consider a wrong suffered. The problem is that the word is never translated “forgive.” Neither the KJV or the NASB clarify this. Recent revisions of the NASB change the word but it doesn’t help.
Do we cover our sins in order to look good to other people? Are we “looking for love in the wrong places”? Are we looking for love in the wrong way. Are we considering the wrong actions as being wrong? Some crowds consider being honest a flaw. Some think kindness and patience are misplaced. Do we try to cover our sin by denying we have sinned?
It is hard to repent if you don’t admit you were wrong.
So? For today look at your motives in how you relate to other people and how honest you are with God. Make your quest for love an honest quest not a masquerade party. Confess, repent, change, rejoice.
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2 comments:
I've always taken that to mean that when we don't go on about OTHER people's sins, we preserve friendships. However, if we gossip about other's sins, we cause trouble not only between us and the other person, but between them and other folks as well. I've never been told that was a correct interpretation, it's just what it seems to mean to me.
Every point you make is true. I guess part of what strikes me as I look at how I relate to people is that there are times when God wants me to confront, rebuke and reprove while I want to get along and be nice. The hard part is knowing which is appropriate at a given moment.
The church has become a warm, fuzzy comforter instead of a fire alarm.
I can't wait for the Introductory courses in the University of the New Jerusalem. You will find me in the front row.
Grace and peace.
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