Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,  but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

What does this proverb mean?

I think it is pressing the importance of relationships by forgiving instead of harbouring a grudge.

In the light of this understanding, fostering love includes talking privately with someone you value about something they have done that has hurt you, instead of gossiping about it. Don’t you hate it when people who feel wounded come against you with an ‘army of agreeres’ saying things like ‘nobody would agree with this’, or ‘I bet everyone at work would be horrified, if they knew’, etc.

However when we ‘repeating an offence or dwell on past grievances’ we get stuck in ongoing conflict.  

So, the wisdom of the proverb is to be proactive in resolving conflict, paving the way for understanding and and reconciliation, rather than the disconnect of holding onto a grudge. 

Let’s agree, love thrives when offences are forgiven and we feel less bitter inside, but when we rebroadcast and re-enact our hurtness we can can hurt sever close friendships.