Proverbs 17:9

Proverbs 17:9 Proverbs

Pastor Martin expounds Proverbs 17:9, which states, "He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that harps on a matter separates chief friends." He emphasizes that constantly dwelling on a minor fault, even if true, is destructive to relationships, particularly close friendships and family bonds. Martin applies this principle to parenting, urging parents to teach their children not to "harp on a matter" but to cover minor transgressions with love, thereby fostering unity and preventing relational division.

2 illustrations in this sermon

The Biblical Origin of 'Harping on a Matter'

lightbulb example

English Phrases from the Bible

Driving home: He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that harps on a matter separates chief friends.

Martin points out that the common English phrase 'stop harping on that issue' originates directly from the Bible, specifically Proverbs 17:9, to illustrate the verse's cultural impact.

Chapter 17, verse 9. He that covers a transgression seeks love, but he that harps on a matter separates chief friends. You didn't know how many of our English phrases came out of the Bible, did you? Oh, stop harping on that issue. Where'd that come from? Right out of the Bible.

0:01 - 0:18 Read in full sermon

The Destructive Nature of Harping on a Matter

palette metaphor

Harping on a Matter

The point: Do not constantly harp on a matter if you wish to maintain chief friendships.

He uses the metaphor of making a string for a harp out of a 'little thing' and 'plunking it all day long' to vividly describe the repetitive and irritating nature of constantly bringing up a past transgression, leading to the separation of friends.

But it's a little thing that love ought to cover. And instead, you make a string to put in your harp and you sit there and plunk it all day long. Plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, plunk, until you separate chief friends.

0:30 - 0:47 Read in full sermon

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