Proverbs 28:13

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
– Proverbs 28:13

The sayings in verses 13 and 14 work together. Verse 13 is consistent with various sayings throughout Proverbs, but this is the only occurrence of the exact expression. The covering of sins refers to a person covering, or concealing, his own sins. The word for prosper means to make progress, or succeed. It is used here in Proverbs, but it the same word used in Psalm 1:3 to describe the flourishing of the blessed man who delights in the law of the Lord and eschews the counsel of the ungodly.

The second phrase contrasts the first with the one who confesseth and forsaketh his sins. The phrase expresses the biblical idea of repentance (Psalm 32:1-5; 51:1-19; 1 John 1:6-9). Such repentance is always met with mercy, or compassion (Psalm 86:5; 103:8, 13; Joel 2:13; Ephesians 2:4-7).

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