Today's Verse: Proverbs 17:9

Monday, February 20, 2006

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
— Proverbs 17:9
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

You've probably heard this poisonous statement many times: "It's just a little harmless gossip." The Wise Teacher reminds us that gossip is neither little nor harmless. Sharing someone else's stumble, offense, failure, or flaws separates friends and causes horrible damage. The consequences of such gossip are severe, and its damage is often lasting and devastating, especially to relationships. Instead, it is much better to be a peacemaker and an offense-mender, someone who covers over an offense with grace, forgiveness, and love. As Jesus said:
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God (Matthew 5:9).
A peacemaker is one who covers over an offense and promotes love and peace. Let that be said of us!

Video Commentary...

We've included Phil's ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

Father of Glory, I confess that I am often more a peace lover than a peacemaker. Being a peacemaker seems to be a lot harder for me. Covering over offenses feels a lot more difficult than passing on the gossip about an offense. So, please give me the character not to repeat gossip, but instead to have the wisdom and strength to be an offense-mender and an offense-coverer. Through the Prince of Peace, himself, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Fostering Love, Not Creating Roadblocks
Devo: Together in Christ
"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."
Proverbs 17:9
Devo: Daily Wisdom
"He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends."
Promote Love
Illustration of Proverbs 17:9
Inspirational illustration of Proverbs 17:9 -- He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
Confidentiality
Article by Mike Barres
Can you be trusted with precious and dangerous information? Confidentiality is crucial to maintain when secrets have been entrusted to us.
See All 6 Related Resources about Proverbs 17:9

Illustration

Illustration of Proverbs 17:9 — He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, February 20, 2006

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 18:8
"If your hand or your foot causes you to sin cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than to have two hands or two..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Never Heard Anyone Speak Like This' (Jn. 7:45-46)
"When the Temple guards returned without having arrested Jesus, the leading priests and Pharisees demanded, "Why didn't you bring him in?" "We have..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'No Objections' (Ac. 10:46b-48)
"Then Peter asked, "Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that [Cornelius and his relatives and friends] have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?"...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Living for Me No Matter the Cost'
"Dear Follower, How do you find the strength to go on when times are tough? That's a really important question because a lot of people will follow Me..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse