Cover Charge

(Pro 17:9 KJV) He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

Can you “cover” (3680) being wronged without forgiving?  As the meme posters say, “Asking for a friend”.  I am sure I would never be confused by this.  But let’s assume I am.  What is the difference between covering and forgiveness? 

I think that covering may be the first step in forgiveness.  It is an attempt to muffle the emotional wailing that often goes on in our hearts.  We are required to avoid vengeance.  We are told not to keep lists.  The first step is covering the wrong.  It cannot stop there.

The danger is in not going the second step.  Things we cover and do not cleans tend to fester and emerge other places.  You can paint over rust and mold.  It does not end the problem.  They must be removed.

So?  Start with covering but move on to forgiveness.