He who confesses his sins and forsake them

He Who Confesses and Forsakes His Sins Shall Have Mercy

    “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” — Proverbs 28:13 (KJV)

        The Bible is clear on the subject of sin: it separates us from God and blocks the flow of His blessings. In Proverbs 28:13, we are given a divine principle that reveals how to walk in God’s mercy — through confession and forsaking sin. This verse is a powerful reminder that God desires repentance, not perfection and that His mercy is available to those who come to Him in humility.

1. The Danger of Covering Sin

        The verse begins with a warning: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper…” Covering sin means pretending it doesn't exist, making excuses, justifying it, or trying to hide it from others and even from God. Throughout Scripture, we see how people who tried to hide their sins suffered serious consequences:

● Adam and Eve tried to hide from God after sinning (Genesis 3:8), but God sought them out.

● David tried to cover his sin with Bathsheba by arranging Uriah’s death. He suffered greatly until he repented (Psalm 32:3-5).

● Achan in Joshua 7 secretly took forbidden items, causing Israel’s defeat. His hidden sin led to judgment.

        Trying to conceal sin shows a lack of repentance. It often leads to more sin, deeper guilt, and eventually, exposure and correction. Unconfessed sin is a spiritual cancer — it eats away at peace, joy, and the presence of God.

2. The Blessing of Confession

        The second part of the verse brings hope: “…but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

        Confession means to agree with God about your sin — not minimizing it, not blaming others, but humbly admitting it. Confession is a vital step toward healing and restoration. As 1 John 1:9 says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

        When we confess, we acknowledge our need for God’s forgiveness. We admit that we are wrong and that God is right. It takes humility and courage, but it leads to mercy.

3. The Power of Forsaking Sin

        Confession alone isn’t enough. God also calls us to forsake our sins — to let them go, abandon them, and walk in a new direction. Repentance is more than words; it involves action. As Jesus told the woman caught in adultery: “Go, and sin no more” (John 8:11).

        Forsaking sin involves:

● A change of heart (remorse and conviction).

● A change of mind (agreeing with God’s standard).

● A change of behavior (turning away from the old life).

         This does not mean we become instantly perfect, but we commit to turning away from sin, relying on God’s strength to overcome temptation.

4. The Reward: Mercy

        The beautiful promise in this verse is mercy. God delights in showing mercy to those who repent. Mercy means that God does not give us the punishment we deserve. Instead, He forgives us, restores us, and empowers us to live righteously. Psalm 103:10-12 says: “He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities… As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

        God’s mercy is greater than any sin. No matter how far one has fallen, sincere confession and repentance open the door to His forgiveness.

5. What must you do?

● Personal Reflection: Are there any sins you’ve been hiding or justifying? Bring them before God in prayer.

● Daily Confession: Make it a habit to confess your sins daily. Keep short accounts with God.

● Accountability: Confessing to a trusted believer can help you forsake persistent sin (James 5:16).

● Avoid Repetition: Learn what triggers the sin and create strategies to avoid repeating it.

6. Prayer Points

1. Lord, give me the courage to confess every hidden sin in my life.

2. Father, grant me a heart that truly repents and turns away from all unrighteousness.

3. Help me to walk in your mercy and not in guilt or shame.

4. Strengthen me to resist temptation and live a life that pleases You.