Faith Focus – Proverbs 17:9

I really couldn’t settle on which text version of this I wanted to parse, but I’ve picked my top seven favorites (yes, I said 7 and… I know, I know, it’s total madness on my part). As an added bonus, I have included the Sheli translation/interpretation of what it means to me. (You’re welcome!)

How do you interpret each one?

Amplified Version:

9 He who covers and forgives an offense seeks love, But he who repeats or gossips about a matter separates intimate friends.

World Messianic Bible:

9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

The Passion Translation:

9 Love overlooks the mistakes of others, but dwelling on the failures of others devastates friendships.

Revised Standard Version:

9 He who forgives an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter alienates a friend.

New Living Translation:

9 Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

New King James Version:

9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.

New International Version:

9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

The Sheli Translation: When you love and care about people, you protect them and their reputation. To do otherwise (especially sharing their foibles, faults and follies) is damaging to the relationships of all parties involved, including you.

In summary, I believe that they all basically say don’t be an A$$hole by spreading hatred and dissension in the name of “truth”. If your goal in ‘truth-telling” is to hurt someone, then you are wrong. Period. The End.