Meaning, commentary and cross references
Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
NIV · New International Version
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
WEB · World English Bible
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
What does Proverbs 28:13 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Proverbs 28:13
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…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Proverbs 28:13
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.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Proverbs 28:10–16 (WEB)
10Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good. 11The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him. 12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. 13He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 14Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people. 16A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.
Cross references
- 1 John 1:8–10
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
- Psalms 32:3–5
- Job 31:33
if like Adam I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart,
- Luke 15:18–24
I will get up and go to my father, and will tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
- Jeremiah 3:12–13
Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, you backsliding Israel,’ says the LORD; ‘I will not look in anger on you, for I am merciful,’ says the LORD. ‘I will not keep anger forever.
- Psalms 51:1–5
- Daniel 9:20–23
While I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God—
- Exodus 10:16–17
Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you.