Proverbs 28:13: He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.
Insight
It seems a common practice today for Christians to try to cover their sins. People don’t like to talk about it; in fact, they don’t admit its existence. They like to think they are very good. But we are told here, “But whoso confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.” This does not refer to a public confession of sin; confession is between you and the Lord, and sin should be dealt with. Trying to appear sinless before your little group of friends is a big mistake. If you confess and forsake your sin, you shall have mercy. How wonderful! 1
Application
King David wrote Psalm 32 about the joy of forgiveness:
“When I kept silent, my bones grew old Through my groaning all the day long. I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
Is joy missing from your life because you are refusing to confess your sins to Him? Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to find any sinful way that is needing to be brought before His throne of grace for forgiveness and the cleansing of your soul. That purifying work is what releases His amazing grace upon your heart and mind.
Motivation
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. John 1:9
His forgiveness is the joy that will set you free. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for being my sin-bearer.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: Poetry (Proverbs) (electronic ed., Vol. 20). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
