Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 10:12 in Multiple Translations
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Hatred stirreth up strifes; But love covereth all transgressions.
Hate is a cause of violent acts, but all errors are covered up by love.
Hatred causes conflict, but love covers all wrongs.
Hatred stirreth vp contentions: but loue couereth all trespasses.
Hatred awaketh contentions, And over all transgressions love covereth.
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
Hatred stirreth up strifes: and charity covereth all sins.
When we hate others, it causes quarrels, but if we love others, we forgive them for the wrong things that they do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 10:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 10:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂ֭נְאָה
תְּעוֹרֵ֣ר
מְדָנִ֑ים
וְ/עַ֥ל
כָּל
פְּ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
אַהֲבָֽה
שִׂ֭נְאָה
sinʼâh
H8135
hating
N-fs
תְּעוֹרֵ֣ר
ʻûwr
H5782
to rouse
V-o-Imperf-3fs
מְדָנִ֑ים
mᵉdân
H4090
strife
N-mp
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
פְּ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-mp
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
אַהֲבָֽה
ʼahăbâh
H160
love
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 10:12
שִׂ֭נְאָה
sinʼâh
H8135
"hating"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means to hate or have hatred towards someone or something. It can describe the hatred people have towards God or towards each other, and it appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) hating, hatred, hate 1a) hatred 1a1) of man, God
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] exceedingly, hate(-ful, -red). See also: Numbers 35:20; Proverbs 10:12; Psalms 25:19.
תְּעוֹרֵ֣ר
ʻûwr
H5782
"to rouse"
V-o-Imperf-3fs
To rouse means to wake up or stir someone into action. It can also mean to be excited or triumphant, and is used in the Bible to describe God stirring up his people. This word is about being awakened or energized.
Definition: 1) to rouse oneself, awake, awaken, incite 1a) (Qal) to rouse oneself, awake 1b) (Niphal) to be roused 1c) (Polel) to stir up, rouse, incite 1d) (Hithpolel) to be excited, be triumphant 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to rouse, stir up 1e2) to act in an aroused manner, awake
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: (a-) wake(-n, up), lift up (self), [idiom] master, raise (up), stir up (self). See also: Deuteronomy 32:11; Isaiah 10:26; Psalms 7:7.
מְדָנִ֑ים
mᵉdân
H4090
"strife"
N-mp
Medan refers to strife or contention, describing a quarrel or conflict between people. It is a Hebrew word used in the Bible to describe disagreements.
Definition: strife, contention
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: discord, strife. See also: Proverbs 6:14; Proverbs 6:19; Proverbs 10:12.
וְ/עַ֥ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
פְּ֝שָׁעִ֗ים
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-mp
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
אַהֲבָֽה
ʼahăbâh
H160
"love"
N-fs
This word means love or affection, describing human love for others or God's love for His people. It is used in many contexts, including romantic love and friendship. The Bible often talks about God's love.
Definition: 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: love. See also: Deuteronomy 7:8; Song of Solomon 2:4; Psalms 109:4.
Study Notes — Proverbs 10:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 10:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 10:12
Context — Solomon’s Proverbs: The Wise Son
10He who winks the eye causes grief, and foolish lips will come to ruin.
11The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
12Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
13Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment. 14The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool invites destruction.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Peter 4:8 | Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 | Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. |
| 3 | Proverbs 17:9 | Whoever conceals an offense promotes love, but he who brings it up separates friends. |
| 4 | Proverbs 15:18 | A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms dispute. |
| 5 | James 5:20 | consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. |
| 6 | James 4:1 | What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? |
| 7 | Proverbs 28:25 | A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:27 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. |
| 9 | Proverbs 29:22 | An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. |
Proverbs 10:12 Summary
This verse is saying that when we hate or are angry with someone, it can cause problems and conflict, but when we choose to love and forgive, it can bring peace and healing. This doesn't mean that we ignore or condone sin, but rather that we respond to it with kindness and compassion, as God does with us (Romans 5:8). By choosing to love and forgive, we can create a more positive and supportive environment in our relationships, and reflect the love of God to those around us (1 John 4:10). As we strive to love others in this way, we can also remember that God's love for us is not based on our deserving it, but on His own character and nature (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for hatred to stir up dissension?
Hatred can lead to conflict and division, as seen in Proverbs 10:12, whereas love promotes unity and peace, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:14.
How can love cover all transgressions?
This doesn't mean that love ignores or condones sin, but rather that it forgives and restores, as demonstrated by God's love for us in Romans 5:8 and 1 John 4:10.
Is this verse saying that we should just overlook people's faults?
Not exactly - while love does cover transgressions, it's also important to address and confront sin in a loving and constructive way, as seen in Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1.
How can I apply this verse to my everyday relationships?
By choosing to respond to others with love and kindness, even when they wrong us, we can create a more positive and supportive environment, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that hatred or anger have stirred up dissension in my own life or relationships?
- How can I show love and forgiveness to someone who has wronged me, even if they don't deserve it?
- What are some practical ways that I can 'cover' the transgressions of others, rather than dwelling on their faults or shortcomings?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of love and kindness in my interactions with others, even when it's difficult or challenging?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes,.... A man, whose heart is full of hatred and malice against his neighbour, will stir up, or awake, as the word (d) signifies, contentions and quarrels which were happily
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. "Stirreth up" - literally, as one lifting up a spear which before had been at rest.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes upon every slight occasion, by filling men with suspicions and surmises, whereby they imagine faults where there are none, and aggravate every small offence. Love covereth all sins; either doth not severely observe, or doth willingly forget and forgive, the offences or injuries of others, and so preventeth contention and mischief.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.Ver. 12. Hatred stirreth up strifes.] Especially when hatred is grown from a passion to a habit, which is, when the heart is so settled in an alienation and estrangement from the person hated, that it grows to wish, and desire, and seek his hurt. I could like that exposition well if it were not Calvin’ s, said Maldonat; and that reformed religion, if Luther had not had a hand in it, said George Duke of Saxony. But love covereth all sins.] Love hath a large mantle. If I should find a bishop commitring adultery, said Constantine the Great, I would cover that foul fact with mine imperial robe rather than it should come abroad to the scandal of the weak and the scorn of the wicked. Love either dissembleth a trespass, if it be light, or by a wise and gentle reproof seeks to reclaim the offender, claps a plaster on the sore, and then covers it with her hand, as we have seen chirurgeons do. Lutherus commodius sentit quam loquitur, dum effervescit, said Cruciger. So Melanchthon, Sciebam horridius scripturum Lutherum quam sentit. The sayings, doings of others, are reverenter glossanda, to have a reverent, a fair, and favourable gloss put upon them, as one said once of the pontifician laws. This is love.
Eusebius.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
(12) Hatred stirreth up strifes . . .—Hatred rakes up again old feuds which have slumbered, but love covers up and refuses to look at any wrong done to it. A similar expression occurs in 1 Peter 4:8 and James 5:20, though probably in a somewhat different sense. (See the note on the former passage.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
Verse 12. Hatred stirreth up strifes] It seeks for occasions to provoke enmity. It delights in broils. On the contrary, love conciliates; removes aggravations; puts the best construction on every thing; and pours water, not oil, upon the flame.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 10:12
12. love covereth &c.] See 1 Peter 4:8, where the use of charity for love in A.V. obscures the fact that it is probably a quotation of this proverb. The LXX., however, has here a different reading (πάνταςδὲτοὺςμὴφιλονεικοῦνταςκαλύπτειφιλία), so that the Apostle must either have quoted from the Hebrew, or taken the proverb as it was then in common use. Comp. James 5:20.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 10:12
Love covereth all sins - i. e., First hides, does not expose, and then forgives and forgets all sins.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 10:12
12. Stirreth up — Rather, uncovers strifes, quarrels. The root of the verb has several meanings; one is, to make bare, uncover.
Sermons on Proverbs 10:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Baptism of Love by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by apologizing for his attitude and asks for forgiveness. He shares a personal story about a young man named Angelo who was deeply moved by his a |
|
James 5 Expositional by Chuck Smith | This sermon by James focuses on various important topics such as the warning to the rich about the dangers of setting their hearts on riches, the importance of patience in waiting |
|
Finding Unity in the Midst of Uncertainty by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman, alongside Pastor Abram Thomas, addresses the pressing issues of racism and unity in America, particularly in light of recent events surrounding George Floyd's death. |
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Step 10 on Slander or Calumny. by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of slander, highlighting how it stems from hatred and malice, draining the blood of charity and leading to the ruin of chastity. He emp |
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Matthew 5:17-32. Christ Explains the Spiritual Nature of the Law. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the true purpose of Christ's coming, emphasizing that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it, taking on the punishment for man's sins a |
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Various Thoughts on Different Subjects by Clement of Rome | Clement of Rome delivers a sermon urging believers to forsake wicked works and evil desires, seeking holiness and humility to receive God's grace. He emphasizes that righteousness |
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1 Peter 4:8 by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the paramount importance of fervent charity among believers, urging that love should be especially directed towards fellow Christians as they are united in Chr |