Good Morning,

Chapter ten marks the beginning of the next major section of the Book of Proverbs. The first nine chapters of the book have provided some continuity of context; now, the format changes. Chapters ten through twenty-five consist primarily of lengthy lists of often unrelated proverbs or wise sayings. There is one common thread of continuity found throughout, and that is the wisdom of doing what is right and the foolishness of sin. Due to the change of writing style, rather than attempt writing about several different subjects, I will focus on one or two depending on how the Holy Spirit leads. Please make sure to complete all of the assigned reading, there may be something else in the context that the Spirit of God uses to bless your heart.

This morning verse twelve spoke to me. As a person who stands for the truth of God's Word, it is important that you and I understand and practice extending the healing balm of forgiveness to those who offend us. Notice the words of this verse, "Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins."Hatred causes conflict whether between individuals or between nations. In contrast, love will endure all sin. When we truly love someone, we will overlook their faults. We will be willing to forgive. We will be inclined to be merciful to them.

Notice with me some New Testament passages that will aid in understanding this verse and how to apply it in our lives.

I Corinthians 13:7, a section of Scripture speaking on the subject of charity states, "(Charity) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." Parenthesis was added for contextual understanding. Notice the actions of love. The word "beareth" means to cover with silence. The word "believeth" means to credit or place confidence in. The word "hopeth" means to hope while expecting good results. The word "endureth" means to have the fortitude to persevere and remain. Verbs are action words and speak of the things we need to be doing. Love covers with silence places confidence in the one being loved, expects the future to be better and perseveres through difficulties. Hatred does the opposite, it stirs up strifes (plural).
1 Peter 4:8 sounds very much like the later portion of Proverbs 10:12, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." The word "fervent" speaks of the earnest nature of our love
Romans 13:8 & 10 states, "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. 10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." Love doesn't do harm or evil to anyone. That doesn't mean that you don't take difficult positions, rather it means whatever you do will not be injurious to a person.

May we enjoy peace and harmony in our lives because we choose to love, rather than hate.

May the Lord bless you this weekend as you worship Him in a local congregation of Bible believing, Christ honoring people.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

Proverbs 10:1-16