Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Hatred
The Hebrew word for "hatred" is "שִׂנְאָה" (sin'ah), which conveys a deep-seated animosity or enmity. In the context of Proverbs, hatred is often depicted as a destructive force that disrupts relationships and communities. Historically, the Bible illustrates the consequences of hatred through accounts like that of Cain and Abel, where hatred led to the first murder. From a conservative Christian perspective, hatred is seen as contrary to the nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8). It is a manifestation of the sinful nature that believers are called to overcome through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

stirs up strife
The phrase "stirs up strife" is translated from the Hebrew "יְעוֹרֵר מְדוֹנִים" (ye'orer medonim). The verb "ye'orer" means to awaken or incite, suggesting an active effort to provoke conflict. "Medonim" refers to disputes or quarrels. In the ancient Near Eastern context, strife often led to social instability and division. The Bible frequently warns against those who sow discord among brethren (Proverbs 6:19). For Christians, this serves as a reminder to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ, reflecting Jesus' prayer for His followers to be one (John 17:21).

but love
The Hebrew word for "love" is "אַהֲבָה" (ahavah), which encompasses a range of meanings from affection to covenantal loyalty. In the biblical narrative, love is the highest virtue, epitomized by God's covenantal love for His people and the sacrificial love of Christ. Love is the antidote to hatred and strife, as it seeks the well-being of others above self-interest. In the New Testament, love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39). For believers, love is both a command and a fruit of the Spirit, essential for living out the Christian faith.

covers all sins
The phrase "covers all sins" is derived from the Hebrew "תְּכַסֶּה כָּל־פְּשָׁעִים" (tekasseh kol-pesha'im). "Tekasseh" means to cover or conceal, while "pesha'im" refers to transgressions or rebellious acts. In the Old Testament, the concept of covering sins is linked to atonement, where sacrifices symbolically covered the sins of the people. In a broader sense, love's ability to cover sins points to forgiveness and reconciliation. This anticipates the New Testament revelation of Christ's atoning sacrifice, which covers and cleanses believers from all sin (1 John 1:7). For Christians, this covering is not about ignoring sin but about extending grace and forgiveness, reflecting God's mercy towards us.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
Traditionally 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 Israel
The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.

3. Wisdom Literature
Proverbs 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 Hatred
Hatred 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 Heal
Love 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 Hatred
In 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 Love
As 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
1. How does understanding the destructive nature of hatred help us in our personal relationships?

2. In what ways can we actively choose to cover transgressions with love in our daily lives?

3. How does the teaching in Proverbs 10:12 relate to Jesus' command to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44?

4. Reflect on a time when love helped to heal a conflict in your life. What did you learn from that experience?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of love that reflects the teachings of 1 Corinthians 13 in our interactions with others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Peter 4:8
This verse echoes the sentiment of Proverbs 10:12 by emphasizing that love covers a multitude of sins, highlighting the power of love to foster forgiveness and unity.

1 Corinthians 13
Known as the "Love Chapter," it describes the attributes of love, reinforcing the idea that love is patient, kind, and not easily angered, aligning with the covering of transgressions.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus' teaching to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you connects to the idea of overcoming hatred with love.
Charity Like the OrchidJames Neil, M.A.Proverbs 10:12
The Conquest of LoveW. Clarkson Proverbs 10:12
The Hiding Work of LoveJ. Parker, D.D.Proverbs 10:12
The Service of Speech, EtcW. Clarkson Proverbs 10:8, 10, 11, 14, 18-21, 31, 32
A Fourfold OppositionE. Johnson Proverbs 10:11-14
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Acts, Awaketh, Cause, Contentions, Covered, Covereth, Covers, Dissension, Errors, Hate, Hatred, Love, Offenses, Sins, Stirreth, Stirs, Strife, Strifes, Transgressions, Violent, Wrongs
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 10:12

     5606   warfare, nature of
     5691   friends, good
     5875   hatred
     5924   quarrelsomeness
     8298   love, for one another

Library
The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
'The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.'--PROVERBS x. 29. You observe that the words 'shall be,' in the last clause, are a supplement. They are quite unnecessary, and in fact they rather hinder the sense. They destroy the completeness of the antithesis between the two halves of the verse. If you leave them out, and suppose that the 'way of the Lord' is what is spoken of in both clauses, you get a far deeper and fuller meaning. 'The way
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Folly of Slander. Part 1.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. General declamations against vice and sin are indeed excellently useful, as rousing men to consider and look about them: but they do often want effect, because they only raise confused apprehensions of things, and indeterminate propensions to action; which usually, before men thoroughly perceive or resolve what they should practise, do decay and vanish. As he that cries out "Fire!" doth stir up people, and inspireth them with a kind of hovering
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
"He that uttereth slander is a fool."--Prov. x. 18. I have formerly in this place, discoursing upon this text, explained the nature of the sin here condemned, with its several kinds and ways of practising. II. I shall now proceed to declare the folly of it; and to make good by divers reasons the assertion of the wise man, that "He who uttereth slander is a fool." 1. Slandering is foolish, as sinful and wicked. All sin is foolish upon many accounts; as proceeding from ignorance, error, inconsiderateness,
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of,
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
OR, A DISCOURSE OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the state of a man's heart known by his desires. The desires of the righteous are the touchstone or standard of Christian sincerity--the evidence of the new birth--the spiritual barometer of faith and grace--and the springs of obedience. Christ and him crucified is the ground of all our hopes--the foundation upon which all our desires after God and holiness are built--and the root
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Lii. Trust in God.
15th Sunday after Trinity. S. Matt. vi. 31. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness." INTRODUCTION.--We read in ancient Roman history that a general named Aemilius Paulus was appointed to the Roman army in a time of war and great apprehension. He found in the army a sad condition of affairs, there were more officers than fighting men, and all these officers wanted to have their advice taken, and the war conducted in accordance with their several opinions. Then Aemilius Paulus
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Christian's Hope
Scripture references: 1 Timothy 1:1; Colossians 1:27; Psalm 130:5; 43:5; Proverbs 10:8; Acts 24:15; Psalm 71:5; Romans 5:1-5; 12:12; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 9:10; Galatians 5:5; Ephesians 1:18; Philippians 1:20; Colossians 1:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2:19; Titus 1:2; 2:13; 3:7; Psalm 31:24; 71:14,15. HOPE IN THE PRESENT LIFE That which a man ardently hopes for he strives to realize. If he desires fame, office or wealth he will seek to set forces in motion, here and now, which will bring him that which
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

Letter xxxi (A. D. 1132) to the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from which the Prior had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him.
To the Abbot of a Certain Monastery at York, from Which the Prior Had Departed, Taking Several Religious with Him. [50] 1. You write to me from beyond the sea to ask of me advice which I should have preferred that you had sought from some other. I am held between two difficulties, for if I do not reply to you, you may take my silence for a sign of contempt; but if I do reply I cannot avoid danger, since whatever I reply I must of necessity either give scandal to some one or give to some other a security
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom
Theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 Here is high preferment for the saints. They shall be advanced to a kingdom. There are some who, aspiring after earthly greatness, talk of a temporal reign here, but then God's church on earth would not be militant but triumphant. But sure it is the saints shall reign in a glorious manner: Theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.' A kingdom is held the acme and top of all worldly felicity, and this honour have all the saints'; so says our Saviour, Theirs is the
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Heavenly Footman; Or, a Description of the Man that Gets to Heaven:
TOGETHER WITH THE WAY HE RUNS IN, THE MARKS HE GOES BY; ALSO, SOME DIRECTIONS HOW TO RUN SO AS TO OBTAIN. 'And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain: escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.'--Genesis 19:17. London: Printed for John Marshall, at the Bible in Gracechurch Street, 1698. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. About forty years ago a gentleman, in whose company I had commenced my
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How the Simple and the Crafty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 12.) Differently to be admonished are the simple and the insincere. The simple are to be praised for studying never to say what is false, but to be admonished to know how sometimes to be silent about what is true. For, as falsehood has always harmed him that speaks it, so sometimes the hearing of truth has done harm to some. Wherefore the Lord before His disciples, tempering His speech with silence, says, I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now (Joh. xvi. 12).
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter xv (Circa A. D. 1129) to Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin
To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin He praises the fatherly gentleness of Alvisus towards Godwin. He excuses himself, and asks pardon for having admitted him. To Alvisus, Abbot of Anchin. [18] 1. May God render to you the same mercy which you have shown towards your holy son Godwin. I know that at the news of his death you showed yourself unmindful of old complaints, and remembering only your friendship for him, behaved with kindness, not resentment, and putting aside the character of judge, showed yourself
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and all These Things Shall be Added unto You. "
Matth. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." The perfection even of the most upright creature, speaks always some imperfection in comparison of God, who is most perfect. The heavens, the sun and moon, in respect of lower things here, how glorious do they appear, and without spot! But behold, they are not clean in God's sight! How far are the angels above us who dwell in clay! They appear to be a pure mass of light and
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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