Proverbs 17:9
Proverbs 17:9 in Multiple Translations
Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; But he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends.
He who keeps a sin covered is looking for love; but he who keeps on talking of a thing makes division between friends.
If you forgive a wrong you encourage friendship, but if you keep talking about it you'll lose your friend.
Hee that couereth a transgression, seeketh loue: but hee that repeateth a matter, separateth the prince.
Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.
He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
He that concealeth a transgression. seeketh friendships: he that repeateth it again, separateth friends.
If you want people to like/love you, forgive them for the wrong things that they do to you. If you continue to remind them about those wrong things, they will no longer be your friends.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 17:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 17:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְֽכַסֶּה
פֶּ֭שַׁע
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
אַהֲבָ֑ה
וְ/שֹׁנֶ֥ה
בְ֝/דָבָ֗ר
מַפְרִ֥יד
אַלּֽוּף
מְֽכַסֶּה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel
פֶּ֭שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-ms
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
אַהֲבָ֑ה
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
N-fs
וְ/שֹׁנֶ֥ה
shânâh
H8138
to change
Conj | V-Qal
בְ֝/דָבָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
מַפְרִ֥יד
pârad
H6504
to separate
V-Hiphil
אַלּֽוּף
ʼallûwph
H441
tame
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 17:9
מְֽכַסֶּה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
פֶּ֭שַׁע
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-ms
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
מְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
אַהֲבָ֑ה
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
N-fs
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
וְ/שֹׁנֶ֥ה
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
בְ֝/דָבָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
מַפְרִ֥יד
pârad
H6504
"to separate"
V-Hiphil
To separate or divide, as seen in Exodus when God parted the Red Sea. It can also mean to scatter or disperse, like when the Israelites were sent out of Egypt. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) to separate, divide 1a) (Qal) to divide 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to divide, separate 1b2) to be divided, be separated 1c) (Piel) to be separated 1d) (Pual) to be divided 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to divide, separate 1e2) to make a division, make a separation 1f) (Hithpael) to be divided, be separated, get separated Aramaic equivalent: be.dar (בְּדַר "to scatter" H0921)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: disperse, divide, be out of joint, part, scatter (abroad), separate (self), sever self, stretch, sunder. See also: Genesis 2:10; Nehemiah 4:13; Psalms 22:15.
אַלּֽוּף
ʼallûwph
H441
"tame"
Adj
A chief or leader is referred to as 'alluwph' in Hebrew. The word can also mean friend or governor. It describes someone in a position of authority or guidance.
Definition: 1) tame, docile 2) friend, intimate
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: captain, duke, (chief) friend, governor, guide, ox. See also: Genesis 36:15; 1 Chronicles 1:52; Psalms 55:14.
Study Notes — Proverbs 17:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 17:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:9
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
- Sermons on Proverbs 17:9
Context — Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness
7Eloquent words are unfit for a fool; how much worse are lying lips to a ruler!
8A bribe is a charm to its giver; wherever he turns, he succeeds.
9Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends.
10A rebuke cuts into a man of discernment deeper than a hundred lashes cut into a fool. 11An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 10:12 | Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 4:8 | Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:28 | A perverse man spreads dissension, and a gossip divides close friends. |
| 4 | Psalms 32:1 | Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. |
Proverbs 17:9 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone hurts or wrongs us, we have a choice to make: we can either bring it up and potentially damage our relationship, or we can choose to overlook it and promote love. By choosing to conceal an offense, we can show love and kindness to the other person, just like God shows love and kindness to us (as seen in Psalm 103:12). This doesn't mean that we ignore or condone the wrong that was done, but rather that we choose to focus on the relationship and the other person's well-being, rather than on the hurt or wrong that was done. By doing so, we can promote healing and restoration, just like God desires for us (as seen in Matthew 5:44).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'conceal an offense' in Proverbs 17:9?
Concealing an offense means choosing not to bring up a hurt or wrong that someone has done to us, as seen in Proverbs 19:11, where it says that 'it is to one's glory to overlook an offense.'
Is it always right to conceal an offense, or are there times when we should speak up?
While Proverbs 17:9 encourages us to conceal an offense to promote love, other verses like Matthew 18:15 remind us that there are times when we need to lovingly confront someone who has wronged us in order to restore them and our relationship.
How does concealing an offense promote love, as stated in Proverbs 17:9?
Concealing an offense promotes love by choosing to focus on the relationship and the other person's well-being, rather than on the hurt or wrong that was done, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:5, where love 'keeps no record of wrongs'
What happens when we choose to bring up an offense instead of concealing it?
According to Proverbs 17:9, when we choose to bring up an offense, it can separate friends and damage our relationships, as also seen in Proverbs 16:28, where 'a perverse person spreads strife'
Reflection Questions
- What are some offenses in my life that I have been holding onto, and how can I choose to conceal them in order to promote love and healing?
- How can I balance the need to confront sin and wrongdoing with the need to conceal offenses and promote love?
- What are some ways that I can show love and kindness to someone who has wronged me, even if I choose not to confront them about the offense?
- How can I trust God to work in the situation and bring about healing and restoration, even if I choose to conceal an offense?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love,.... He that hides the transgression of another, or of his friend, committed against himself or against another, which he is privy to; but the matter
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 17:9
He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. He that covereth a transgression seeketh love - (Proverbs 10:12.) Promoteth love (cf. Proverbs 17:19; Proverbs 11:27).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
That covereth a transgression; that concealeth, as far as he may, other men’ s faults against himself, or against their friends. Seeketh, i.e. findeth or obtaineth, as this word is used here below, 11:27. Love; either 1. To himself. Or rather, 2. To the transgressor or offending friend; he maintains love among friends, as it may be explained from the opposite clause. That repeateth; that publisheth and spreadeth it abroad; that recalls it to mind after it was past and forgotten. A matter; or, the matter last mentioned, to wit, the transgression. Separateth very friends; either, 1. He alienateth his friend from himself.
Or rather, 2. He raiseth jealousies and dissensions among friends. This phrase we had before, .
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
Proverbs 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth [very] friends.Ver. 9. He that covereth a transgression, seeketh love.] In friendship, faults will happen. These must be many of them dissembled, and not chewed but swallowed down whole as medicine pills, for else they will stick in a man’ s teeth and prove very unpleasant. But he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.] He that is so soft and sensible of smallest offences, so tender and ticklish that he can put up nothing without revenge or reparation - he that rips up and rakes into his friends’ frailties, and makes them more in the relating, having never done with them, he shall soon make his best friends weary of him, nay, to become enemies to him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
(9) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love—i.e., one who does not notice, but rather conceals and excuses, anything done against him; that man “follows after charity” (1 Corinthians 14:1). (Comp. Proverbs 10:12.) He that repeateth a matter, who is always returning to old grievances, “alienates (even his) chief friend.”
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 17:9
9. repeateth] i.e. brings it up again and again, harpeth on it, as R.V. happily renders. Comp. Proverbs 26:11, “a fool repeateth his folly,” R.V.; “Heb. iterateth his folly,” A.V. marg. very friends] Rather, chief friends, as the word is rendered, Proverbs 16:28.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 17:9
Seeketh love - i. e., Takes the course which leads to his gaining it.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 17:9
9. Seeketh love — That is, in effect. Some say, seeks to exercise love to others. Repeateth a matter — Or, reporteth what he ought to have kept to himself. Compare Proverbs 16:28.
Sermons on Proverbs 17:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Rich and the Poor Part 1 by Chuck Smith | The video is a sermon by Pastor Chuck Smith on the book of Proverbs, specifically focusing on Proverbs 21:1. Pastor Chuck explains that the purpose of Proverbs is to impart wisdom |
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By Love Serve by Bill McLeod | This sermon emphasizes the importance of serving one another in love, drawing from Galatians 5:13. It highlights the need to show genuine care, exhort, comfort, and support fellow |
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(Proverbs) ch.17:4 - 18:3 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of correction in revealing our true motives and desires in life. The speaker quotes Proverbs 17:11, which states that death wi |
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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My Home, God's Calm or My Chaos by Faith Cosby | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and experiences to encourage wives in difficult marriage situations. She emphasizes the importance of having a willing heart a |
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A Series of Proverbs Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the inevitability of death and the inability to escape it. He also discusses the misuse of authority and how those in power often suff |
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Words to Live by (Prov + John 12) by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of allowing God to work in each individual's heart, recognizing that people may respond differently to His presence—some rejoicing while ot |