What is the meaning of Proverbs 10:12?

Hatred stirs up dissension

“Hatred stirs up dissension” (Proverbs 10:12a).

• Hatred lets resentment simmer and overflow, stirring conflict wherever it goes—just as Proverbs 15:18 warns that “a hot-tempered man stirs up strife.”

• It dredges up old wounds and keeps them alive, the opposite of Paul’s counsel in 1 Corinthians 13:5 that love “keeps no record of wrongs.”

• Gossip, slander, and divisive talk follow in hatred’s wake; James 3:16 notes that “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.”

• Relationships fracture, families split, churches suffer (Proverbs 29:22). Hatred feeds on pride and refuses the humility God calls for in Ephesians 4:31-32.

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Love covers all transgressions

“but love covers all transgressions” (Proverbs 10:12b).

• Love chooses to forgive and restore. Peter echoes this: “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

• Covering sin does not excuse it; it refuses to broadcast it. Proverbs 17:9 says, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love.”

• Practical ways love covers:

– Refusing to repeat the offense (Ephesians 4:29).

– Offering forgiveness “just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

– Seeking reconciliation rather than revenge (Romans 12:17-18).

– Protecting the offender’s dignity while addressing the issue (Galatians 6:1).

• Christ embodies this love. At the cross He bore our sins (1 John 4:10), showing that true love sacrifices self to spare another.

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summary

Proverbs 10:12 contrasts two powerful forces. Hatred stirs conflict, revives offenses, and multiplies hurt. Love chooses the opposite path—covering sins through forgiveness, restraint, and Christ-like sacrifice. Where hatred divides, love heals, making peace possible in homes, churches, and communities.