Christianity
Proverbs 28Confessing and Forsaking Sin
Summary
Proverbs 28 opens with the wicked fleeing when no one pursues while the righteous are bold as a lion. It sets the poor who walk in integrity above the rich who are crooked, and contrasts keeping God's law with forsaking it. It condemns usury, partiality in judgment and hasty pursuit of wealth. Its central spiritual saying is that whoever covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will find mercy. Generosity to the poor brings no lack.
Key verse
“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
Themes
- Confession
- Integrity
- Justice
- Courage
Text
The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.
For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.
A poor man that oppresseth the poor is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.
Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things.
Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.
Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.
He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.
He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Whoso causeth the righteous to go astray in an evil way, he shall fall himself into his own pit: but the upright shall have good things in possession.
The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
When righteous men do rejoice, there is great glory: but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
As a roaring lion, and a ranging bear; so is a wicked ruler over the poor people.
The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days.
A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man stay him.
Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.
He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.
A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.
To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.
He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.
He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Whoso robbeth his father or his mother, and saith, It is no transgression; the same is the companion of a destroyer.
He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.
He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
When the wicked rise, men hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase.
Text: King James Version (1611/1769), public domain.
Across traditions
Christianity
1 John 1: If We Confess1 John 1:8 to 9 says that denying sin is self-deception, but if we confess our sins God is faithful to forgive, the New Testament counterpart of Proverbs 28:13.
Islam
Surah Al-Imran (3): Implore ForgivenessQuran 3:135 praises those who, after doing wrong, remember God, ask forgiveness and do not knowingly repeat the wrong, combining confession and forsaking much as Proverbs 28:13 does.
Christianity
Psalm 32: When I Kept SilenceIn Psalm 32:3 to 5 the psalmist says his bones wasted away while he kept silent, until he acknowledged his sin and was forgiven.
Questions about Proverbs 28
What does the wicked flee when no man pursueth mean?
Proverbs 28:1 describes how a guilty conscience produces fear even without real danger, while the righteous have the confidence of a lion.
What does Proverbs 28:13 teach about confession?
It says hiding sin leads to failure, but confessing and abandoning sin leads to mercy. Both admitting wrong and changing behavior are required.