Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Original Language Analysis
וְעַ֥ל
H5921
וְעַ֥ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Proverbs 17:9He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.James 5:20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.James 4:1From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?Proverbs 28:25He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.Proverbs 16:27An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.Proverbs 29:22An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Historical Context
In ancient honor-shame cultures, public exposure of wrongs demanded vengeance to restore honor. The principle of covering sins with love countered this cultural norm, calling for forgiveness over retaliation. This reflected God's own character in covering sin through atonement and extended His covenant love (hesed) as a model for human relationships.
Questions for Reflection
- Are you 'stirring up strifes' through grudges, gossip, or score-keeping, or are you covering offenses with love?
- How does understanding love as covering sins (rather than exposing them) change your response to being wronged?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This beloved proverb contrasts hate and love: 'Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.' Hatred actively stirs up conflicts, constantly picking fights and nursing grievances. Love, conversely, covers sins—not by ignoring or enabling them but by extending grace rather than revenge. This verse is quoted in 1 Peter 4:8: 'above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.' Love doesn't gossip about offenses or keep records of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5); instead, it forgives and reconciles.