Today's Verse: Proverbs 17:9

Wednesday, February 20, 1946

He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.
— Proverbs 17:9
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 20, 1946

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Phillips Brooks:
"The trouble is that I'm in a hurry, but God isn't."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'The Truth about Sin'
"Dear Beloved, As God's child, you need to know that some truth is very basic and very simple. You also need to realize that the evil one, whom John....."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'No Private Matter' (Jn. 18:19-21)
"Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. Jesus replied, "Everyone knows what I teach. I have..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Equipped for Battle' (Ep. 6:11-13)
"Dear Father, warrior against all evil, May I put on the full array of battle gear that you supply that I may be able to stand against the schemes of...."

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.

More Today's Verse