He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. He who conceals his sinsThe phrase "conceals his sins" comes from the Hebrew root word "כָּסָה" (kasah), meaning to cover or hide. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covering one's sins was akin to hiding one's faults or wrongdoings from God and community. This act of concealment is often driven by pride or fear of judgment. Biblically, the act of hiding sin is seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and prosperity. Theologically, it reflects a lack of trust in God's grace and a misunderstanding of His omniscience. The conservative Christian perspective emphasizes that God desires truth in the inward being ( Psalm 51:6), and concealing sin is contrary to living in the light of Christ (1 John 1:6-7). will not prosper
The term "prosper" in Hebrew is "צָלַח" (tsalach), which means to advance, succeed, or thrive. In the biblical context, prosperity is not merely material wealth but encompasses spiritual well-being and favor with God. The verse suggests a direct correlation between unconfessed sin and a lack of true prosperity. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, prosperity is seen as a holistic state of being that includes peace, joy, and fulfillment in God's purpose. The failure to prosper is a consequence of the spiritual stagnation that results from unrepented sin. but whoever confesses
The word "confesses" is derived from the Hebrew "יָדָה" (yadah), which means to acknowledge or admit. Confession in the biblical sense is an act of humility and repentance, acknowledging one's sins before God. It is a crucial step in the process of reconciliation with God. Historically, confession has been a vital practice in the life of believers, as seen in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament and the teachings of the New Testament (James 5:16). In conservative Christianity, confession is viewed as a means of receiving God's forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). and renounces them
The phrase "renounces them" involves the Hebrew word "עָזַב" (azab), meaning to forsake or abandon. Renouncing sin goes beyond mere confession; it involves a decisive turning away from sinful behavior. This act of renunciation is a demonstration of genuine repentance and a commitment to live according to God's standards. In the conservative Christian tradition, renouncing sin is essential for spiritual renewal and transformation (Romans 12:2). It signifies a break from the past and a dedication to pursue holiness. will find mercy
The word "mercy" is translated from the Hebrew "רַחֲמִים" (rachamim), which conveys compassion, forgiveness, and loving-kindness. Mercy is a central attribute of God's character, as seen throughout Scripture (Exodus 34:6-7). In the context of this verse, finding mercy is the result of confession and renunciation of sin. It highlights God's readiness to forgive and restore those who come to Him with a contrite heart. From a conservative Christian perspective, mercy is not earned but is a gift of God's grace, available to all who repent and believe in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are reflected in this verse. 2. IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were initially addressed. The teachings were meant to guide the Israelites in living a life pleasing to God. 3. Confession and RepentanceWhile not a specific event, the act of confessing and renouncing sins is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of humility and seeking God's forgiveness. Teaching Points The Danger of ConcealmentConcealing sin leads to spiritual stagnation and hinders our relationship with God. It is a barrier to receiving His blessings and guidance. The Power of ConfessionConfession is a powerful act of humility and honesty before God. It opens the door to His mercy and forgiveness, allowing us to experience spiritual renewal. The Necessity of RenunciationTrue repentance involves not only confessing sins but also renouncing them. This means turning away from sinful behaviors and making a commitment to pursue righteousness. The Promise of MercyGod's mercy is abundant and available to those who come to Him with a contrite heart. This promise should encourage us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is faithful to forgive. Living in the LightWalking in the light of God's truth involves regular self-examination and confession. This practice keeps our hearts aligned with His will and fosters spiritual growth. Bible Study Questions 1. What are some reasons people might choose to conceal their sins, and what are the potential consequences of doing so according to Proverbs 28:13? 2. How does the act of confessing and renouncing sins demonstrate humility and dependence on God? 3. In what ways can the promise of mercy in Proverbs 28:13 encourage someone struggling with guilt or shame? 4. How can the practice of confession and renunciation be incorporated into daily life, and what role does accountability play in this process? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's mercy after confessing and renouncing a sin. How did this experience impact your relationship with Him and others? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 John 1:9This verse echoes the promise of forgiveness and cleansing from sin when we confess, highlighting the consistency of God's mercy throughout the Bible. Psalm 32:3-5David's experience of concealing sin and the relief found in confession parallels the teaching in Proverbs 28:13, illustrating the personal and spiritual benefits of transparency with God. James 5:16Encourages believers to confess sins to one another, reinforcing the communal aspect of confession and the healing it brings. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Compassion, Conceals, Confesses, Confesseth, Confessing, Covereth, Covering, Doesn't, Finds, Forsakes, Forsaketh, Forsaking, Gives, Keeps, Mercy, Obtain, Open, Prosper, Prospereth, Renounces, Secret, Sins, TransgressionsDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 28:13 1055 God, grace and mercy
5812 concealment
5881 immaturity
6029 sin, forgiveness
6624 confession, of sin
6650 finding
6653 forgiveness, divine
6733 repentance, nature of
6746 sanctification, means and results
8468 renunciation Library Two Coverings and Two Consequences
A Sermon (No. 3500) by C. H. Spurgeon, April 4th, 1875, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. Published February 24th, 1916. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper."--Proverbs 28:13. "Thou Hast covered all their sins."--Psalm 85:2. In these two texts we have man's covering, which is worthless and culpable, and God's covering, which is profitable and worthy of all acceptation. No sooner had man disobeyed his Maker's will in the garden of Eden than he discovered to his surprise and dismay …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on ProverbsThe Right Kind of Fear
A Sermon (No. 2971) published on Thursday, January 18th, 1906, delivered by C.H. Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington on Thursday evening, September 2nd, 1876. "Happy is the man that feareth alway."--Proverbs 28:14. But did not John say that "fear hath torment?" Then how can he be happy who hath fear, and especially he who hath it always. Did not John also say that "perfect love casteth out fear?" How is it then that he is happy in whom love is not made perfect, if so be that the fear …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs He Does Battle for the Faith; He Restores Peace among those who were at Variance; He Takes in Hand to Build a Stone Church.
57. (32). There was a certain clerk in Lismore whose life, as it is said, was good, but his faith not so. He was a man of some knowledge in his own eyes, and dared to say that in the Eucharist there is only a sacrament and not the fact[718] of the sacrament, that is, mere sanctification and not the truth of the Body. On this subject he was often addressed by Malachy in secret, but in vain; and finally he was called before a public assembly, the laity however being excluded, in order that if it were …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh "If we Confess Our Sins, He is Faithful and Just to Forgive us Our Sins",
1 John i. 9.--"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins", &c. The current of sin dries not up, but runs constantly while we are in this life. It is true, it is much diminished in a believer, and it runs not in such an universal flood over the whole man as it is in the unbeliever. Yet there is a living spring of sin within the godly, which is never ceasing to drop out pollution and defilement, either upon their whole persons, or, at least, to intermingle it with their …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Epistle xxv. To Gregoria.
To Gregoria. Gregory to Gregoria, Lady of the Bed-chamber (cubiculariæ) to Augusta. I have received the longed for letters of your Sweetness, in which you have been at pains all through to accuse yourself of a multitude of sins: but I know that you fervently love the Almighty Lord, and I trust in His mercy that the sentence which was pronounced with regard to a certain holy woman proceeds from the mouth of the Truth with regard to you: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven her, for she loved …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great "And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee,"
Isaiah lxiv. 7.--"And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirreth up himself to take hold on thee," &c. They go on in the confession of their sins. Many a man hath soon done with that a general notion of sin is the highest advancement in repentance that many attain to. You may see here sin and judgment mixed in thorough other(315) in their complaint. They do not so fix their eyes upon their desolate estate of captivity, as to forget their provocations. Many a man would spend more affection, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Adoption
'As many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.' John 1:12. Having spoken of the great points of faith and justification, we come next to adoption. The qualification of the persons is, As many as received him.' Receiving is put for believing, as is clear by the last words, to them that believe in his name.' The specification of the privilege is, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.' The Greek word for power, exousia, signifies …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 28:13 NIVProverbs 28:13 NLTProverbs 28:13 ESVProverbs 28:13 NASBProverbs 28:13 KJV
Proverbs 28:13 Commentaries
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