Proverbs 17

“He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, NKJV)

It would be wonderful if no one sinned. It would be beautiful if everyone always made the right choices. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, and we are all broken. We are sinners who are saved by grace. Even the best among us has lapses of faith.

Noah was a most remarkable man. Of all the sinful people living on earth, Noah found favor in the eyes of God. Because of his faith and obedience, he saved his family and all the creatures of the world. But after the Flood he planted a vineyard, drank the wine, and became drunk. He was lying naked in his tent when his son Ham entered and saw him in that condition. He immediately told his two brothers, but they would not look on their father’s nakedness. Instead, they took a garment, walked backward, and covered their father. They covered Noah’s transgression with love. But when Noah awoke, he knew what Ham had done. He was angry and even cursed Ham’s son Canaan. He saw how Ham’s sin would be passed down to his descendants.

Every day we observe sins in others. Do we repeat these matters or do we cover them with love? Do we expose others in mockery or do we bring them to God in prayer? May the Lord help us to treat others the same way He treats us.

“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NLT)