Covering Sin

Reading for Today: Proverb Chapter 17

Gold Nugget
Verse 9: “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

Commentary

I love today’s scripture. It reminds us of the intentions we should have towards other that fall. In today’s society we approach people about their sin less than we used to.  This scripture isn’t saying that we shouldn’t approach people who sin. Today’s “gold nugget” says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” It isn’t saying that we should pretend that the person who sinned didn’t do wrong. It isn’t even saying that we shouldn’t approach them about it. What it is saying is apparent from the latter part of the verse, “he who repeats a matter separates friends.”

As I mentioned, in today’s society we approach people about their sin less than we used to, but somehow there isn’t a shortage in how much we will repeat it to others. People still love to gossip. It is still pleasurable for many of us to share someone else’s mistakes. Somehow it makes us feel better about ourselves. We don’t think about the damage we cause in the relationships between the person that sinned and the person we are telling it to. Again, "he who repeats a matter separates friends.” He who lets an offense go without spreading it is by default, covering it. “He who covers a transgression seeks love.” If someone I know sins, it isn’t in his best interest for me to go spreading it around. By exercising discretion we “cover a transgression”. 

Prayer
Lord, help me to be mindful of how I should handle those that err from the truth. It isn’t going to bring them back into obedience by spreading it around. I know that I want to be restored in love when I err. Help me to consider that when dealing with others. Amen

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