These passages contain two Proverbs. The first Proverb says, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.”
The Bible says gossiping as a sin. We should not reveal the secrets of another who has confided in us. Nor should we tell others about a transgression we have observed. Doing so would harm that person’s reputation. It may also destroy a friendship.
The Bible says that we are to love others as we love ourselves. Therefore, we should always seek for goodness and unity among friends and associates. Gossiping is contrary to that goal, as it divides and harms others. Having a frame of mind of loving others will motivate us to carefully choose our words in the many situations we face in life.
The second Proverb says, “A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding, than a hundred blows into a fool.” In a way this is an extension of the first Proverb. When we observer a friend or acquaintance transgressing against God or committing a sin, we should not gossip about it. Rather, we should seek for an opportunity to counsel that person. If the person was lapsing into sin, a fellow believer’s counsel or rebuke will be quite effective. It will be more effective than trying to change the behavior of a non-believer, who the Bible calls a fool.
The Bible characterizes fellow believers who help one another stay on the path of righteousness as “iron sharpening iron.” Staying on the path of righteousness is definitely difficult at times, and we need help from other believers. Therefore it is helpful if we associate with people who believe in God.
