Today's Verse: Proverbs 17:9

Friday, February 20, 2026

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

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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.

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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.

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