Bridges on Proverbs 17:9
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 17:9
 
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9.  He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends
 
Seeketh love! A beautiful expression, much to be kept in mind! It shews a delight in the atmosphere of loveman's highest elevation in communion with his God. (1 John 4:16.) It implies not the mere exercise of love, where it is presented, but the searching and making opportunity for it. But how seldom do we rise to the high standard of this primary grace, exalted as it is pre-eminently above “the best gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31; 13.); and illustrated and enforced by no less than the Divine example! (Ephesians 5:1, 2.) Yet too often it sits at the door of our lips, instead of finding a home in our hearts; forgetting that the exhortation is not that we should talk of love, but that we should “walk in it;” not stepping over it, crossing it, walking by the side, but “in it,” as our highway and course. One step of our feet is better than an hundred words of the tongue.
A forbearing spirit is a fine manifestation of this heavenly grace. Our motives are often misconstrued. We meet in a world of selfishness, cold reserve, instead of glowing confidence. Prejudice builds a wall against Christian intercourse. Wounded pride would return unkindness with contempt. Resentment stirs up recrimination. Disappointment kindles morbid suspicion. Here is a noble field for Christian victory; instead of resenting, to cover the transgression with a mantle of love (Chapter 10:12. 1 Corinthians 13:7. Gr.); with that act of amnesty, by which we are savedthe most aggravated transgression, the most unprovoked injuries, being covered in eternal forgetfulness. (Hebrews 8:12.)
The repeating a matter has often separated friends by uncovering a forgotten quarrel. (Chapter 16:28.) Mischief might not be intended. But to amuse ourselves with the follies or weakness of our brethren is sinful trifling, fraught with injury. Justly are “tattlers and busy-bodies” described as “speaking things which they ought not.” (1 Timothy 5:13.) A disciplined tongue is a gracious mercy to the Church.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 John 4:16
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
 
 
1 Corinthians 12:31
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
 
1 Corinthians 13.
1 ¶ Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 ¶ Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {vaunteth...: or, is not rash} 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {in the truth: or, with the truth} 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. {fail: Gr. vanish away} 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. {done away: Gr. vanish away} 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. {thought: or, reasoned} {put away: Gr. vanish away} 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. {darkly: Gr. in a riddle} 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ephesians 5:1, 2
1 ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
 
 
Proverbs 10:12
12 ¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.
 
1 Corinthians 13:7. Gr.
 
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
 
(panta stegei panta pisteuei panta elpizei panta upomenei)
 
"Stegei" "Beareth" From 4721; to roof over, that is, (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently): - (for-) bear, suffer.
 
 
Hebrews 8:12
12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
 
 
Proverbs 16:28
28 A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends. {soweth: Heb. sendeth forth}
 
 
1 Timothy 5:13
13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.