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Proverbs 28:13
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Summary
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
13 He that denieth his sin shall not prosper; But he that acknowledgeth and forsaketh it shall obtain mercy. Thus is this proverb translated by Luther, and thus it lives in the mouth of the Christian people. He who falsely disowns, or with self-deception excuses, if he does not altogether justify his sins, which are discernible as פּשׁעים, has no success; he remains, after Psa 32:1-11, in his conscience and life burdened with a secret ban; but he who acknowledges (the lxx has ἐξηγούμενος instead of ἐξομολογούμενος, as it ought to be) and forsakes (for the remissio does not follow the confessio, if there is not the accompaniment of nova obedientia) will find mercy (ירחם, as Hos 14:4). In close connection therewith stands the thought that man has to work out his salvation "with fear and trembling" (Phi 2:12).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Psa 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psa 51:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper,.... God may cover a man's sins, and it is an instance of his grace, and it is the glory of it to do it, but a man may not cover his own: it is right in one good man to cover the sins of another, reproving him secretly, and freely forgiving him; but it is wrong in a man to cover his own: not that any man is bound to accuse himself before a court of judicature, or ought to expose his sins to the public, which would be to the hurt of his credit, and to the scandal of religion; but whenever he is charged with sin, and reproved for it by his fellow Christian, be should not cover it, that is, he should own it; for not to own and acknowledge it is to cover it; he should not deny it, which is to cover it with a lie, and is adding sin to sin; nor should he justify it, as if he had done a right thing; nor extenuate or excuse it, or impute it to others that drew him into it, as Adam, which is called a covering transgression, as Adam, Job 31:33; for such a man "shall not prosper"; in soul or body, in things temporal or spiritual; he shall not have peace of mind and conscience; but, sooner or later, shall feel the stings it; he shall not succeed even in those things he has in view by covering his sins; he shall not be able to cover them long, for there is nothing covered but what shall be revealed; if not in this life, which yet often is, however at the day of judgment, when every secret thing shall be made manifest; nor shall he escape the shame and punishment he thought to avoid by covering it, as may be observed in the case of Achan, Jos 7:11; in short, he shall have no mercy shown him by God or man, as appears by the antithesis in the next clause; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy; who confesses them to men privately and publicly, according to the nature of the offences, from whom they find mercy; but not to a priest, in order for absolution, which no man can give; sin is only in this sense to be confessed to God, against it is committed, and who only can pardon it; and though it is known unto him, yet he requires an acknowledgment of it, which should be done from the heart, with an abhorrence of the sin, and in the faith of Christ, as a sacrifice for it; and it is not enough to confess, there must be a forsaking likewise, a parting with sin, a denying of sinful self, a leaving the former course of sin, and a quitting the company of wicked men before used to, and an abstaining from all appearance of evil; as is and will be the case, where there is a true sight and sense of sin, and the grace of God takes place: and such find "mercy", pardoning grace and mercy, or pardon in a way of mercy, and not merit; for though the sinner confesses and forsakes it, it is not that which merits pardon and mercy in God, who is rich in it, delights in showing it, and from whom it may be hoped for and expected by all such persons; see Psa 32:5. So the Targum and Syriac version, God will have mercy on him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The folly of indulging sin, of palliating and excusing it, denying or extenuating it, diminishing it, dissembling it, or throwing the blame of it upon others: He that thus covers his sins shall not prosper, let him never expect it. He shall not succeed in his endeavour to cover his sin, for it will be discovered, sooner or later. There is nothing hid which shall not be revealed. A bird of the air shall carry the voice. Murder will out, and so will other sins. He shall not prosper, that is, he shall not obtain the pardon of his sin, nor can he have any true peace of conscience. David owns himself to have been in a constant agitation while he covered his sins, Psa 32:3, Psa 32:4. While the patient conceals his distemper he cannot expect a cure. 2. The benefit of parting with it, both by a penitent confession and a universal reformation: He that confesses his guilt to God, and is careful not to return to sin again, shall find mercy with God, and shall have the comfort of it in his own bosom. His conscience shall be eased and his ruin prevented. See Jo1 1:9; Jer 3:12, Jer 3:13. When we set sin before our face (as David, My sin is ever before me) God casts it behind his back.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:13 The wise admit their mistakes and sins and pursue correction (see Ps 32:1-5).
Proverbs 28:13
The Boldness of the Righteous
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message
By David Wilkerson14K09:272CH 7:14PSA 27:8PSA 119:11PRO 28:13JER 29:13MAT 24:44EPH 6:18HEB 4:16JAS 4:81PE 5:8This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and seeking His face diligently. The speaker warns against compromise, distractions, and the pursuit of worldly desires, urging a focus on God alone. The message stresses the importance of prayer, seeking God in good times, and waging war against sin to be prepared for spiritual battles.
Dependable Priest
By Jim Cymbala8.2K55:37Jesus ChristPRO 28:13JER 33:3MAT 21:13ROM 3:23HEB 4:14HEB 4:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds the congregation that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he was tempted in every way, yet remained without sin. The preacher encourages the congregation to come to the throne of grace for freedom from guilt, cleansing through the blood, and encouragement and strength for their challenges. He invites those who feel the message is for them to stand up and come forward for prayer, symbolizing the throne of grace.
The Power of Prayer
By Alan Redpath7.0K1:26:38Power Of PrayerEXO 33:18PSA 86:11PRO 28:13MAT 6:331TH 5:17JAS 5:161JN 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based on those convictions. The speaker shares a powerful testimony of a church experiencing a deep visitation from God, resulting in conviction of sin and a powerful atmosphere of repentance and confession. He also mentions the importance of faith, but cautions against placing faith in oneself, emphasizing our desperate need for God's work in our lives.
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening
By J. Edwin Orr6.5K25:54Spiritual Awakening2CH 7:14PRO 28:13MAT 10:32ACT 3:192CO 7:1JAS 4:71JN 1:9In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasizes the importance of obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Third, he encourages the audience to publicly confess their faith in Christ. Finally, he highlights the need for explicit agreement and visible union among God's people in extraordinary prayer for revival and the extension of Christ's kingdom. The sermon also shares the story of Evan Roberts, a young man who sparked a revival in Lochor, Wales, through his preaching and emphasis on confession of sin and making things right with others.
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out
By David Wilkerson6.0K1:06:12SinNUM 32:5NUM 32:23PRO 28:13MAT 6:33LUK 8:17ROM 2:161CO 10:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serves as a lesson for us today, as we are living in the end times. The preacher highlights the consequences of partial obedience and the danger of holding back from fully surrendering to God. He warns against the lukewarmness and lack of commitment in churches today, urging believers to lay down their idols and live a holy life.
The Plague of the Heart
By A.W. Tozer5.6K42:14Sinful Nature1KI 8:37PSA 51:10PRO 28:13JER 17:9MAT 6:33ROM 3:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. The preacher shares a story of a fifteen-year-old boy who committed a cold-blooded murder, illustrating that sin can reside in anyone, regardless of their appearance or status. He concludes by stating that Christianity has focused too much on the joy and blessings of Jesus, neglecting the fact that Jesus came to save people from the plague of sin in their hearts.
How to Have a Personal Revival
By A.W. Tozer4.8K27:40Personal RevivalEXO 23:1EXO 23:22LEV 13:45PRO 28:13MAT 16:24LUK 18:38HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwavering commitment to living a godly life. The preacher also emphasizes the need to set one's heart on Jesus Christ and to go to Him in all circumstances. He shares a powerful story of a man who spent his last day with God in prayer and was ready to go to heaven. The preacher urges listeners to expose their lives to Jesus' examination, being open and honest in prayer, scripture study, obedience, confession, and restitution. Finally, he encourages the congregation to make holy vows before God as a commitment to living a revived and dedicated life.
The Logic of Salvation
By Warren Wiersbe3.7K35:13PRO 28:13ECC 10:7ISA 53:6JHN 8:10HEB 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the coming judgment and the urgency for sinners to put their faith in Jesus Christ. He references an old Appalachian ballad that depicts the sorrow and regret of those who are faced with their fate at the white throne judgment. The preacher also highlights the importance of addressing past sins, present temptations, and future judgment. He uses the example of Paul reasoning with Felix to illustrate the logical decision of putting faith in Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes by noting the lack of emphasis on judgment in many churches today and the need to preach the truth of a coming judgment.
Biblical Assurance 2 - Austin, Tx
By Paul Washer3.5K32:39AssurancePSA 32:3PRO 28:13ISA 66:2MAT 6:33ROM 10:9JAS 5:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of a man of God committing a heinous sin and the despair that can follow. He emphasizes that Jesus not only forgives sin but also cleanses the conscience of guilt, offering hope and healing. The preacher urges the congregation to examine their own salvation and relationship with God, encouraging them to seek forgiveness and live a life that reflects God's character. He also expresses concern about the lack of genuine faith among evangelicals, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and confessing sin as a sign of true belief.
True Faith
By Albu van Eeden2.8K1:09:08Faith1KI 17:91KI 17:12PRO 28:13MAT 6:331CO 10:13EPH 2:10JAS 2:17In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the mystery of God selecting a vessel to use. He emphasizes that God not only wants to save us but also desires to use us for His purposes. The speaker shares a personal experience of witnessing a street performer in New York City and how no one paid attention to him. This serves as a reminder that even if we feel alone or insignificant, God has a purpose for us. The sermon concludes with a call to obedience and trust in God, acknowledging that our problems and difficulties should not distract us from focusing on Him.
Apostasy/healing/prosperity?
By Zac Poonen2.7K03:47PRO 28:13MAT 6:33MRK 8:36JHN 8:32JHN 14:62TH 2:32TI 4:3JAS 4:41JN 1:8This sermon delves into 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, emphasizing the warning about the last days and the deception that will lead many Christians astray. It highlights the danger of prioritizing earthly prosperity over holiness and seeking physical healing above deliverance from sin, which is considered a falling away from the true faith. The speaker challenges the prevalent focus on material wealth and physical healing in modern Christianity, contrasting it with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.
Audio Sermon: Backsliding
By William MacDonald2.5K1:01:01PSA 51:10PSA 103:12PRO 28:13JOL 2:25JON 3:1ROM 7:181CO 9:27HEB 11:3JAS 4:81JN 1:9This sermon delves into the theme of backsliding, exploring the consequences and the way back to God's grace. It emphasizes the importance of confession, forsaking sin, and seeking restoration in relationships. The speaker highlights the need for a thorough spiritual house cleaning, including mending broken relationships and living daily in fellowship with the Lord. The message reassures believers of God's willingness to restore and redeem, offering a second chance to those who come back to Him.
Our Canadian Christian Heritage Under Fire #5 - We Need Revival in Canada
By Ian Goligher2.3K42:53Canada2CH 7:14PSA 24:3PRO 28:13ISA 55:6JER 29:13MAT 6:33JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the need for revival in our lives and in our churches. He emphasizes that even though the opportunities to spread the gospel may be limited, personal revival is always possible. The preacher shares a story about a prayer meeting held in a barn before a revival took place on the Isle of Lewis. During the meeting, a young man read Psalm 24 and emphasized the importance of having clean hands and a pure heart in order to receive God's blessing. The preacher encourages the listeners to have a humble and repentant posture, turning away from wickedness and seeking God's face.
War on Earth - Part 3
By Derek Prince2.2K28:18PRO 3:7PRO 28:13MAT 18:34MRK 16:91CO 6:19GAL 5:1GAL 5:222TI 1:7JAS 4:71JN 1:9This sermon delves into the manifestations and effects of demonic influence in our lives, such as anger, defilement, torture, compulsion, enslavement, and weakness. It emphasizes the importance of deliverance through faith in Christ, humility, confession of sin, forgiveness, breaking ties with the occult, and expelling demonic influences. The speaker shares personal experiences and practical steps for receiving deliverance and living in freedom from curses and demonic oppression.
How to Be Free From Bitterness
By Jim Wilson2.1K39:07BitternessNUM 32:23PRO 28:13MAT 12:34EPH 4:31JAS 3:14JAS 3:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of bitterness and its negative impact on our lives. He refers to Ephesians 4:31, which instructs believers to get rid of all bitterness. The speaker shares personal examples of bitterness and how it can affect relationships. He also discusses the importance of forgiveness and being kind and compassionate towards others, just as Christ forgave us. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, restitution, and continued joy in our Christian walk.
1 Samuel 4:13
By Joshua Daniel1.8K1:10:051SA 4:131SA 4:192SA 2:172SA 2:22PSA 51:10PRO 28:131CO 10:12EPH 6:42TI 2:22HEB 12:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of trembling for the presence of God, using the story of Eli and his sons as a cautionary tale. It highlights the consequences of hidden sin and the need for obedience and righteousness in families and individuals to avoid spiritual defeat and leaving a negative legacy. The speaker urges self-examination, repentance, and a focus on building a consistent, faithful life that honors God and leaves a positive spiritual heritage.
In Times Like These… - Part 1
By Erlo Stegen1.7K59:54DiscernmentPSA 139:23PRO 28:13JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker addresses the current state of the world and the church. He emphasizes the need to recognize the immorality and lack of moral standards prevalent in society. The speaker shares personal confessions from individuals who struggle with temptation and seek comfort in worldly distractions. The sermon also highlights the importance of self-reflection and confession among ministers, urging them to practice what they preach and seek guidance from others.
Pray, Read, Witness
By Jose Muniz1.7K1:02:48PSA 119:105PRO 28:13MAT 28:19ROM 10:17EPH 6:171TH 5:172TI 2:15HEB 4:12JAS 1:221PE 3:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of reading the Bible and spending time in prayer to strengthen one's faith and witness effectively. It highlights the need for Christians to be diligent in studying God's Word, confessing sins, and seeking God's guidance through prayer. The speaker urges the congregation to prioritize reading the Bible daily, aligning their lives with God's teachings, and being bold in sharing the Gospel with others.
Despising a Holy God
By Art Katz1.6K56:09RepentanceSinDespising2SA 12:10PSA 51:4PRO 28:13ISA 59:2EZK 18:30MAT 5:29ROM 3:23HEB 10:26JAS 4:171JN 1:9Art Katz emphasizes the gravity of sin as an offense against a holy God, drawing from Psalm 51:4 where David acknowledges his transgressions. He argues that until we recognize sin as evil and understand its true nature as rebellion against God, our repentance remains superficial. Katz highlights that every sin, regardless of its outward appearance, is a direct affront to God's holiness and authority, and he warns against the complacency that leads to despising God's commandments. The sermon calls for a deep, heartfelt acknowledgment of our sins and a return to a genuine fear of the Lord, recognizing the severe consequences of our actions against Him. Ultimately, Katz urges believers to confront their indifference and to seek true repentance that reflects an understanding of the holiness of God.
The Great Evil of All Sin - Part 2
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K18:38EXO 33:162SA 12:1PSA 51:4PRO 28:13ROM 3:23ROM 6:231CO 10:31JAS 4:171JN 1:9This sermon delves into the concept of sin and its roots, emphasizing that all individuals are born as sinners and children of the devil, not as children of God. It explores the story of David's sin and his acknowledgment that his transgressions were ultimately against God. The sermon highlights the profound impact of sin on our relationship with God, underscoring that every sin, regardless of its nature, is ultimately against God's sovereign right and a theft of His glory.
Elijah - Part 5
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K08:462CH 7:14PSA 51:10PRO 28:13MAT 5:23ACT 3:19EPH 5:1HEB 12:1JAS 5:161JN 1:9REV 2:4This sermon emphasizes the importance of rebuilding old altars in our lives, highlighting the need for repentance, restitution, and a return to God's ways. It discusses the significance of not dwelling on past sins that have been forgiven and the importance of focusing on holy and pure things. The message also touches on the concept of leaving behind distractions that hinder our intimacy with God and the need to recover lost spiritual fervor by returning to where we initially left it.
It's About Time
By Vance Havner1.5K38:08Christian LifePRO 28:13ISA 24:1JER 4:3MAT 6:33ROM 13:112CO 6:17JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is about time for God to intervene and address the iniquities and inequities of society. He highlights the disrespect and disregard for God's word, as well as the corruption and immorality prevalent in the world. The preacher acknowledges the importance of reaching out to the younger generation and speaking to them with authenticity and authority. He urges the congregation to seek the Lord and to cast away the works of darkness, emphasizing the need for righteousness and mercy. The sermon is based on passages from Psalm 119, Hosea 10, and Romans 13.
Forgiveness - Part 9
By Keith Daniel1.5K09:30PSA 32:5PRO 28:13MAT 6:14ROM 12:17EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 5:161PE 4:81JN 1:9This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and love towards those who have wronged us, highlighting the need for God's grace to enable us to forgive effortlessly and show Christ's love to others. It encourages seeking God's guidance and anointing for transformation and revival, both personally and collectively, through prayer and surrender. The speaker prays for physical and spiritual strength, expressing a deep desire for God to work powerfully in the lives of the listeners and bring about lasting change.
A Deeper Spiritual Life
By Keith Price1.4K58:54PSA 32:3PRO 28:13MAT 6:33ROM 3:231JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of confessing our sins to God. He emphasizes that keeping our sins hidden will ultimately lead to failure and a paralyzed spiritual life. The first verse discussed is Psalm 51:3, which highlights the presence of a condemning conscience when we are aware of our transgressions. The speaker then introduces the concept of petitioning, confessing, cleansing, renewing, and serving as the different sections of the sermon that will be explored in detail. The overall message is that God needs to work within us before He can work through us, and confessing our sins is a crucial step in this process.
Powerful Sermon Compilation - the Trumpet Solo
By James A. Stewart1.4K12:13NUM 14:18PSA 51:10PRO 28:13ACT 7:51EPH 4:30HEB 10:22JAS 4:81JN 4:20REV 2:5This sermon emphasizes the consequences of sin and the need for repentance, highlighting the judgment that follows sin and the importance of churches and congregations repenting. It also discusses the tragedy of the minority of overcomers among the seven churches in Asia, portraying God as hurt and withdrawing due to the grief caused by sin and lack of love.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
13 He that denieth his sin shall not prosper; But he that acknowledgeth and forsaketh it shall obtain mercy. Thus is this proverb translated by Luther, and thus it lives in the mouth of the Christian people. He who falsely disowns, or with self-deception excuses, if he does not altogether justify his sins, which are discernible as פּשׁעים, has no success; he remains, after Psa 32:1-11, in his conscience and life burdened with a secret ban; but he who acknowledges (the lxx has ἐξηγούμενος instead of ἐξομολογούμενος, as it ought to be) and forsakes (for the remissio does not follow the confessio, if there is not the accompaniment of nova obedientia) will find mercy (ירחם, as Hos 14:4). In close connection therewith stands the thought that man has to work out his salvation "with fear and trembling" (Phi 2:12).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
(Compare Psa 32:3-5). Concealment of sin delivers none from God's wrath, but He shows mercy to the humble penitent (Psa 51:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper,.... God may cover a man's sins, and it is an instance of his grace, and it is the glory of it to do it, but a man may not cover his own: it is right in one good man to cover the sins of another, reproving him secretly, and freely forgiving him; but it is wrong in a man to cover his own: not that any man is bound to accuse himself before a court of judicature, or ought to expose his sins to the public, which would be to the hurt of his credit, and to the scandal of religion; but whenever he is charged with sin, and reproved for it by his fellow Christian, be should not cover it, that is, he should own it; for not to own and acknowledge it is to cover it; he should not deny it, which is to cover it with a lie, and is adding sin to sin; nor should he justify it, as if he had done a right thing; nor extenuate or excuse it, or impute it to others that drew him into it, as Adam, which is called a covering transgression, as Adam, Job 31:33; for such a man "shall not prosper"; in soul or body, in things temporal or spiritual; he shall not have peace of mind and conscience; but, sooner or later, shall feel the stings it; he shall not succeed even in those things he has in view by covering his sins; he shall not be able to cover them long, for there is nothing covered but what shall be revealed; if not in this life, which yet often is, however at the day of judgment, when every secret thing shall be made manifest; nor shall he escape the shame and punishment he thought to avoid by covering it, as may be observed in the case of Achan, Jos 7:11; in short, he shall have no mercy shown him by God or man, as appears by the antithesis in the next clause; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy; who confesses them to men privately and publicly, according to the nature of the offences, from whom they find mercy; but not to a priest, in order for absolution, which no man can give; sin is only in this sense to be confessed to God, against it is committed, and who only can pardon it; and though it is known unto him, yet he requires an acknowledgment of it, which should be done from the heart, with an abhorrence of the sin, and in the faith of Christ, as a sacrifice for it; and it is not enough to confess, there must be a forsaking likewise, a parting with sin, a denying of sinful self, a leaving the former course of sin, and a quitting the company of wicked men before used to, and an abstaining from all appearance of evil; as is and will be the case, where there is a true sight and sense of sin, and the grace of God takes place: and such find "mercy", pardoning grace and mercy, or pardon in a way of mercy, and not merit; for though the sinner confesses and forsakes it, it is not that which merits pardon and mercy in God, who is rich in it, delights in showing it, and from whom it may be hoped for and expected by all such persons; see Psa 32:5. So the Targum and Syriac version, God will have mercy on him.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here is, 1. The folly of indulging sin, of palliating and excusing it, denying or extenuating it, diminishing it, dissembling it, or throwing the blame of it upon others: He that thus covers his sins shall not prosper, let him never expect it. He shall not succeed in his endeavour to cover his sin, for it will be discovered, sooner or later. There is nothing hid which shall not be revealed. A bird of the air shall carry the voice. Murder will out, and so will other sins. He shall not prosper, that is, he shall not obtain the pardon of his sin, nor can he have any true peace of conscience. David owns himself to have been in a constant agitation while he covered his sins, Psa 32:3, Psa 32:4. While the patient conceals his distemper he cannot expect a cure. 2. The benefit of parting with it, both by a penitent confession and a universal reformation: He that confesses his guilt to God, and is careful not to return to sin again, shall find mercy with God, and shall have the comfort of it in his own bosom. His conscience shall be eased and his ruin prevented. See Jo1 1:9; Jer 3:12, Jer 3:13. When we set sin before our face (as David, My sin is ever before me) God casts it behind his back.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
28:13 The wise admit their mistakes and sins and pursue correction (see Ps 32:1-5).