Share the Shame?

We live in a day when all of our mistakes have a good chance of being recorded on somebody’s cell phone and uploaded to numerous social media sites in an instant.  Within minutes we may “trend, “go viral” or become “internet famous” for all the wrong reasons!  It’s the way of the world.  But is it God’s way?

We could look to several possible passages to answer that question.  But the one I want us  to consider today is Proverbs 12:16 which says, “A fool’s anger is known at once, But a prudent man conceals dishonor” (NASB). 

If you’re like me, you may have learned that verse in the NIV which renders the same verse as, “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.”  With this wording, the verse teaches that it’s often best for us to ignore the insults of others.  I’ve found that to be true in my own life and the original language definitely supports that rendering.

But I also appreciate the angle the NASB and NKJV (among others) take with the original Hebrew.  The same language can mean to cover or conceal shame or dishonor.  While it’s unclear from this verse alone whether the prudent person is concealing their own shame or someone else’s, the overall teaching of Scripture would not be to hide one’s own shame, but to bring it into the light of day (e.g., Psalm 32:3-5).

Therefore, I take the verse to teach that it is wise on our part to help others overcome the events in their lives which could bring them shame and dishonor.  In that sense, “cover” or “conceal” would carry the idea of not broadcasting their actions before the eyes of others.  Instead, the prudent and loving action on our part would be to help that person recover from their sins, encouraging them to carry them to Christ where they can be forgiven.

I also think this rendering beautifully aligns with the Golden Rule – to treat others the way we’d like to be treated.  I won’t speak for you, but I already feel enough shame before God when I mess up; I don’t need the shame of countless others piled on.  The next time you’re tempted to share the shame of someone else, pause long enough to ask if it is in anyone’s interest to do so.  –Dave

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