Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all transgressions.
— Mishlĕ (Proverbs) 10:12 | The Scriptures 2009 (TS2009)
The Scriptures 2009 Copyright © 2009 Institute for Scripture Research. All Rights reserved.
Cross References: Genesis 50:17-21; Leviticus 19:17-18; Psalm 32:1; Psalm 85:2; Psalm 103:12; Matthew 5:44; Matthew 22:37-39; Luke 6:27-28; Romans 12:9-10; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:13-14; James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:7-8;
Thoughts on Today's Verse…
Our worst tendencies want to repay evil with evil, spite for spite, pettiness with pettiness, and hatefulness with hatefulness. God has always wanted his people to be his redemptive influence in their world, society, and relationships.
Paul reminded the Christians in Rome to "not repay evil with evil" (Romans 12:17).
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:44–45)
The apostle Paul also taught Christians in Rome:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:18-21)
Love removes the teeth from difficult situations while hatefulness only stirs up bitterness and spite. God's wise Old Covenant king shares a similar truth in our verse today. We are called to be a different kind of people, a JESUShaped people who leave the world a different and better place than we found it. It isn't always easy, but Jesus' way is powerful and redemptive in a world where most people expect the worst!
The Thoughts on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
