Proverbs 28:13

KJV

¶ He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

KJV (with Strong's)

He that covereth {H3680} his sins {H6588} shall not prosper {H6743}: but whoso confesseth {H3034} and forsaketh {H5800} them shall have mercy {H7355}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He who conceals his sins will not succeed; he who confesses and abandons them will gain mercy.

Berean Standard Bible

He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

American Standard Version

He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 28:13 presents a foundational principle of divine justice and mercy, starkly contrasting the outcomes for those who attempt to conceal their transgressions versus those who humbly acknowledge and abandon them. It reveals that hiding sin leads to a lack of true flourishing, while genuine confession and repentance unlock God's compassionate forgiveness and restoration, offering a pathway to spiritual prosperity and peace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 28 is part of the larger collection of wisdom literature, specifically within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-29), which often employs antithetical parallelism to highlight the stark differences between the righteous and the wicked. This chapter, in particular, frequently contrasts the behavior and destiny of these two groups, emphasizing themes of justice, integrity, and the consequences of moral choices for both individuals and the community. Proverbs 28:13 stands as a pivotal proverb, encapsulating a core message about the futility of deceit and the liberating power of truth, aligning perfectly with the chapter's broader emphasis on righteous living as the path to blessing and stability, as seen in verses like [Proverbs 28:1](/proverbs/28-1 "Proverbs 28:1 - The Wicked Flee, The Righteous Are Bold") and [Proverbs 28:27](/proverbs/28-27 "Proverbs 28:27 - Giving to the Poor").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society placed a high value on community integrity and adherence to the Mosaic Law. Sin was not merely a private matter but had communal implications, potentially bringing divine judgment upon the nation (e.g., [Joshua 7](/joshua/7 "Joshua 7 - Achan's Sin")). The concept of "covering" sin could involve attempts to hide wrongdoing from human authorities, from one's own conscience, or even from God, often driven by shame or a desire to maintain reputation. Confession, on the other hand, was a recognized part of the sacrificial system and covenant relationship, a necessary step for atonement and restoration. The wisdom tradition, as encapsulated in Proverbs, sought to instruct individuals in practical righteousness, guiding them toward a life that honored God and ensured well-being within the covenant community. The understanding of "mercy" (Hebrew: *racham*) was deeply rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His compassionate nature, often demonstrated in His willingness to forgive and restore His people after their repentance, as frequently depicted in the [book of Psalms](/psalms "The Book of Psalms - Songs of Worship and Lament").
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 28:13 powerfully articulates several interconnected themes. Firstly, it underscores the **futility of concealment**, asserting that attempts to hide sin ultimately lead to failure and a lack of true prosperity, both spiritually and relationally. This idea resonates with the broader biblical truth that "your sin will find you out" ([Numbers 32:23](/numbers/32-23 "Numbers 32:23 - Your Sin Will Find You Out")). Secondly, it highlights the **transformative power of confession**, presenting it as the essential first step towards reconciliation with God and oneself. Confession is not merely an admission of guilt but an act of humility and honesty. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **necessity of forsaking sin**, distinguishing true repentance from mere regret. It demands an active turning away from the sinful behavior, demonstrating a genuine change of heart and commitment to new obedience. This active turning is crucial for biblical repentance, as seen in [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Forsaking Wicked Ways"). Finally, the proverb culminates in the glorious theme of **divine mercy**, assuring that for those who genuinely confess and forsake their sins, God's compassion and forgiveness are readily available, leading to restoration and true flourishing. This promise of mercy is a consistent thread throughout scripture, from the covenant promises in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Compassionate Character") to the New Testament's proclamation of grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Covereth (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** This verb, from H3680, literally means "to plump" or "fill up hollows," but by implication, it signifies "to cover" for clothing or secrecy, to conceal, or to overwhelm. In this context, it denotes an active attempt to hide, suppress, or bury one's sins, either from others, from one's own conscience, or from God. It implies an act of deception or self-deception, an unwillingness to confront the reality of one's wrongdoing.
* **Confesseth (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From H3034, this primitive root primarily means "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand," often in the context of praise or thanksgiving (with extended hands). However, it also carries the intensive meaning "to bemoan (by wringing the hands)" and, crucially for this verse, "to make confession." Here, it signifies the open acknowledgment of sin, a humble admission of guilt before God and, where appropriate, before others. It is an act of bringing hidden things into the light.
* **Forsaketh (Hebrew, _ʻâzab'_):** Derived from H5800, this root means "to loosen," "relinquish," "permit," or "leave (destitute, off)." In the context of sin, it powerfully conveys the idea of abandoning, departing from, or actively turning away from sinful behavior. It implies a volitional act of ceasing the practice of sin, signifying a genuine change of heart and direction, not merely regret or verbal admission.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _râcham'_):** From H7355, this primitive root means "to fondle," and by implication, "to love," especially "to compassionate." It encompasses deep compassion, pity, tender affection, and ultimately, the act of showing forgiveness and grace. In this verse, it highlights God's tender, motherly compassion (the root *racham* is related to *rechem*, "womb") toward those who genuinely repent, leading to their restoration and pardon.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper":** This clause establishes a direct negative consequence for the act of concealing sin. "Covereth" implies an attempt to hide, suppress, or deny wrongdoing, whether from others, from oneself, or from God. The phrase "shall not prosper" (Hebrew: *tsâlêach*) indicates a lack of holistic flourishing. This is not just about material success but encompasses spiritual, relational, and overall well-being. Hidden sin creates internal turmoil, breaks trust, hinders spiritual growth, and ultimately prevents a person from experiencing true peace and God's favor.
* **"but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy":** This clause presents a powerful antithesis and promise. "Confesseth" signifies an open, humble acknowledgment of sin, bringing it into the light. The addition of "and forsaketh [them]" is crucial, indicating that true repentance involves not just admission but also an active turning away from the sinful behavior. This demonstrates a genuine change of heart and a commitment to new obedience. For such a person, the promise is "shall have mercy" (Hebrew: *râcham*), denoting God's compassionate forgiveness, tender affection, and restorative grace. This mercy leads to pardon, reconciliation, and the opportunity for true prosperity and peace.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 28:13 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound truth. The most prominent is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where two contrasting ideas are presented in parallel clauses to highlight their opposing outcomes. "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper" is set directly against "but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy," creating a clear moral choice and its inevitable consequences. This structure emphasizes the wisdom principle through a stark comparison. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by treating "sins" as something that can be "covered" or "forsaken," giving them a tangible quality that can be acted upon. Furthermore, the proverb demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, clearly linking specific actions (covering sin vs. confessing and forsaking sin) to specific outcomes (lack of prosperity vs. reception of mercy). This direct relationship underscores the moral order of the universe, where divine justice and grace operate according to established principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 28:13 profoundly articulates God's character as both just and merciful, revealing His abhorrence of sin and His readiness to forgive the repentant. It speaks to the inherent human tendency to conceal wrongdoing, often driven by shame or pride, which ultimately leads to spiritual stagnation and alienation. Conversely, the verse champions the transformative power of genuine repentance, which involves both humble confession and active turning away from sin. This process aligns the individual with God's truth and opens the floodgates of His boundless compassion. It underscores that God's mercy is not cheap grace but is extended to those who demonstrate a contrite heart and a willingness to walk in newness of life, reflecting a deep understanding of the covenant relationship.

* [Psalm 32:3-5](/psalms/32-3 "Psalm 32:3-5 - The Blessing of Confession")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Isaiah 55:7](/isaiah/55-7 "Isaiah 55:7 - Turn to the Lord for Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 28:13 calls us to a radical honesty with God and ourselves, challenging the natural human inclination to hide our flaws and failures. In a world that often encourages image management and self-preservation, this proverb reminds us that true flourishing comes not from perfected appearances but from humble transparency before our Creator. When we attempt to cover our sins, we build walls of deception that isolate us from God and others, leading to a spiritual and emotional stagnation that prevents genuine peace and growth. The path to freedom, however, is clearly laid out: confession and forsaking. This isn't merely an intellectual acknowledgment of wrongdoing but a heartfelt admission coupled with a decisive turning away from the sinful pattern. It requires courage to face our failures and humility to admit our need for divine intervention. Embracing this truth allows us to step out of the shadows of guilt and into the liberating light of God's mercy, fostering authentic relationships, inner peace, and the ability to truly prosper in the ways that matter most to God. It is an invitation to live a life of integrity, where our inner reality matches our outward profession, allowing God's grace to transform us from the inside out.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "sins" might I be attempting to cover or minimize in my own life, and what are the hidden costs of this concealment?**
* **What does genuine "confession" look like for me, and how can I practice it more consistently before God and, where appropriate, before others?**
* **Beyond confession, what practical steps can I take to "forsake" specific sinful patterns or habits in my life, demonstrating a true turning?**
* **How does the promise of God's "mercy" motivate me to embrace the difficult but liberating path of confession and repentance?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "cover" one's sins?**

Answer: To "cover" one's sins, as used in Proverbs 28:13, means to conceal, hide, or suppress them. This can take many forms: denying wrongdoing, making excuses, blaming others, minimizing the severity of the sin, or simply refusing to acknowledge it to oneself or God. It's an attempt to avoid the consequences or the shame associated with one's actions, often leading to a buildup of guilt, anxiety, and a false sense of security. The proverb teaches that such attempts are ultimately futile and counterproductive to true well-being.

**Why does covering sins lead to not prospering?**

Answer: Covering sins prevents true prosperity because it hinders genuine spiritual, emotional, and relational health. When sins are hidden, they fester, leading to internal turmoil, a hardened conscience, and a disconnection from God. It also erodes trust in relationships with others and prevents the individual from receiving God's forgiveness and restorative grace. True prosperity, in a biblical sense, is holistic well-being that includes peace with God, inner freedom, and healthy relationships, all of which are undermined by unconfessed sin. As [Psalm 32:3-4](/psalms/32-3 "Psalm 32:3-4 - The Misery of Unconfessed Sin") illustrates, keeping silent about sin leads to physical and emotional distress.

**What is the difference between confessing and forsaking sins?**

Answer: "Confessing" sins is the act of openly acknowledging and admitting one's wrongdoing to God (and to those wronged, if applicable). It's an act of humility and honesty. "Forsaking" sins goes beyond mere admission; it means actively turning away from the sinful behavior, abandoning the practice, and committing to a new path of obedience. Confession is the verbal acknowledgment, while forsaking is the behavioral change. Both are essential components of true biblical repentance, as one without the other is incomplete. [Acts 3:19](/acts/3-19 "Acts 3:19 - Repent and Turn") emphasizes both elements: "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 28:13, while a profound truth in the Old Testament wisdom tradition, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The proverb reveals humanity's desperate need for mercy due to our inability to perfectly keep God's law and our tendency to conceal our failures. Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), is the one who did not cover His sins because He had none ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest")). Instead, He became the perfect sacrifice who "covered" our sins in the sense of atoning for them, bearing their penalty on the cross ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). Through His shed blood, He provides the only true means by which our sins can be forgiven and removed, ensuring that those who confess and forsake their sins in reliance upon Him will indeed "have mercy." The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, empowers believers not only to confess but also to forsake sin through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables them to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, the mercy promised in Proverbs 28:13 is fully realized in the person and work of Jesus, who offers complete pardon and the power to live righteously to all who turn to Him in faith ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). He is the one who enables us to truly prosper, not by hiding our flaws, but by being fully known and fully forgiven.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 John 1:8

¶ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:10

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Psalms 32:3

When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Job 31:33

¶ If I covered my transgressions as Adam, by hiding mine iniquity in my bosom:

Luke 15:18

I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

Luke 15:24

For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.