What does Proverbs 17:9 mean?
What is the meaning of Proverbs 17:9?

Whoever conceals an offense

• “Whoever conceals an offense” speaks to choosing discretion instead of broadcasting someone’s failure.

• The verse does not condone covering up evil or refusing to confront sin that must be addressed (see Matthew 18:15), but it urges us to handle offenses privately and graciously.

Proverbs 10:12 points in the same direction: “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions.”

1 Peter 4:8 echoes this wisdom: “Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

• By refusing to gossip or shame, we imitate God’s own restraint toward us (Psalm 103:10–12).


promotes love

• Concealing an offense “promotes love”; it lets charity, mercy, and patience flourish instead of resentment.

• Love seeks restoration (1 Corinthians 13:7) and thinks the best of others whenever possible.

• When we quietly forgive or overlook a slight, we mirror God’s lovingkindness (Ephesians 4:32) and bind relationships closer.

• This promotion of love prevents small offenses from snowballing into division (Colossians 3:13–14).


but he who brings it up

• “He who brings it up” refers to reviving, repeating, or harping on the offense.

• Continually mentioning past wrongs is the opposite of biblical forgiveness (Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12).

• Bringing it up can masquerade as seeking justice, yet often stems from pride or bitterness (James 3:14).

Proverbs 26:20 illustrates the danger: “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”


separates friends

• Rehashing offenses “separates friends”; it erodes trust and drives a wedge where closeness once existed.

• The damage can spread beyond two people, unsettling whole communities (Proverbs 16:28).

• Jesus warns that unchecked resentment leads to greater judgment (Matthew 5:23–24).

• Friendship is God’s gift (John 15:12–15), yet fragile when we nurse grudges instead of extending grace.


summary

Proverbs 17:9 calls us to protect relationships by handling offenses with quiet mercy rather than loud repetition. Overlooking minor wrongs fosters love; dredging them up fractures fellowship. Walking in this wisdom reflects the forgiving heart of God and safeguards the unity He desires among His people.

Why does Proverbs 17:8 seem to condone bribery?
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