Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

PROVERBS 10:12KJV
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Proverbs 10:12 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 10:12 mean?

Proverbs 10:12 teaches that hatred leads to conflict and arguments, while love has the power to forgive and overlook wrongs. The verse draws a clear contrast between the destructive results of hatred and the healing, peace-making effect of love.

This proverb is part of a collection of wise sayings traditionally attributed to Solomon, aimed at guiding everyday life and relationships. The verse addresses anyone seeking wisdom, showing how attitudes like hatred or love shape the atmosphere around us—either fueling division or promoting harmony by letting go of offenses.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 10:12

  • "Hatred" (שִׂנְאָה, sin'ah) means strong dislike or hostility. In this verse, it highlights how deep-seated negative feelings can actively create trouble among people.
  • "Love" (אַהֲבָה, ahavah) refers to genuine care and goodwill toward others. The word here points to a kind of love that chooses to let go of faults, not just feel warmly.
  • "Covereth" (כָּסָה, kasah) means to conceal or hide. In this context, it does not mean ignoring wrongdoing but rather choosing not to keep bringing up faults, allowing relationships to heal.

Why Proverbs 10:12 matters

  • Proverbs 10:12 clarifies that love is not passive; it takes action to maintain peace by choosing not to dwell on others’ mistakes.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that love means ignoring problems; instead, it shows love’s strength in not letting wrongs define relationships.
  • This proverb fits into a larger section contrasting wise and foolish ways of living, highlighting how our attitudes can either stir up trouble or bring about peace.

Where else these words appear

“strifes” Hebrew H4090 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 6:14 Frowardness is in his heart, he deviseth mischief continually; he soweth discord.
  • Proverbs 6:19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.

“Hatred” Hebrew H8135 · used in 16 verses

  • Numbers 35:20 But if he thrust him of hatred, or hurl at him by laying of wait, that he die;
  • Psalms 109:3 They compassed me about also with words of hatred; and fought against me without a cause.
  • Proverbs 26:26 Whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shewed before the whole congregation.

“love” Hebrew H160 · used in 37 verses

  • Genesis 29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
  • Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
  • Song of Solomon 8:4 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, until he please.

“up” Hebrew H5782 · used in 65 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:
  • Psalms 73:20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
  • Isaiah 52:1 Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.