Proverbs 28:13
What does Proverbs 28:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Proverbs 28:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Proverbs 28:13 means
This proverb reveals an inescapable spiritual principle regarding sin: concealment leads to failure, while confession and repentance lead to grace. The "concealing" of sins suggests a deliberate hiding or refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing, which hinders true reconciliation with God and man, and ultimately blocks one's spiritual and practical well-being. To "prosper" here implies not just material success, but overall flourishing and divine favor. Conversely, to "confess" means to openly admit sin, and to "forsake" signifies a genuine turning away from that sin—a change of heart and action. This active repentance is the condition for receiving "mercy," which is God's compassionate forgiveness and release from the consequences of sin.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall obtain mercy.
Context
Proverbs 28 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, offering wisdom for righteous living. This particular chapter focuses on contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, and the consequences of their actions. Immediately preceding this verse, there are warnings against oppressive rulers and pleas for justice. Following it, the proverbs continue to extol righteousness, humility, and seeking God's guidance, while condemning greed and injustice. This verse on confession and mercy serves as a critical hinge within the chapter, emphasizing a core requirement for true righteousness and a pathway to avoid the pitfalls of wickedness described elsewhere.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jeremiah 3:12
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith Jehovah; I will not look in anger upon you; for I am merciful, saith Jehovah, I will not keep anger for ever.
- Matthew 3:6
and they were baptized of him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
- Daniel 9:20
And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Jehovah my God for the holy mountain of my God;
- Psalms 32:3
When I kept silence, my bones wasted away Through my groaning all the day long.
- Acts 26:20
but declared both to them of Damascus first, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judæa, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.
- 1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
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