Chapter ten marks the beginning of the next major section of the Book of Proverbs.  Chapters ten through twenty-five consist primarily of lengthy lists of often unrelated proverbs or wise sayings. There is a common thread of continuity found throughout, that being the wisdom of doing what is right and the foolishness of sin.

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." I added the parenthesis 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 to 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 state, "Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.  Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."  Love does not 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.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Do you live life experiencing contention with others?  What is the root of such contention?

2.  How does love manifest itself according to 1 Corinthians 13:7?

3.  How would you describe fervent charity?  Again, what does love cover?

4.  Love is not injurious to people.  Do you know anyone who doesn’t know how to love without hurt?