Proverbs: The Art of Wise LivingSample

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. — Proverbs 28:13

“Let the strong and mighty laugh at men like me: let us, the weak and the poor, confess our sins to You.” — Saint Augustine

Reflection: Admitting when you have made a mistake and done something wrong is hard. It shows that nobody is perfect — even though we often try to be — and it can make us feel even more embarrassed. It also exposes us to shame. These two reasons alone can make the act of confession counterintuitive. But hiding sin can be even more harmful. Hidden guilt can lead to emotional difficulties, shame, and physiological problems — hindering relationships because it creates a barrier between authentic intimacy and those you love.

The second part of Proverbs 28:13 offers a comforting contrast to the burden of sin. Since confession involves transparency, ownership, and humility, it opens us up fully to receive the mercy of our forgiving God — drawing us closer to His unconditional love instead of alienating us and sending us further away.

In His infinite mercy and love, He celebrates the trust and closeness that comes with true repentance. Plus, confession and repentance take the magnifying glass off our actions and turns it toward the grace-filled, faithful character of God. And the best part is that His forgiveness is not just passive; it’s active and transformative, renewing and redefining us in every way.

One of the greatest confessional prayers found in the Bible is Psalm 51. God describes King David as a man after His own heart — and Psalm 51 gives us a window into one of the reasons why.

Prayer: Take some time to pray through and reflect on Psalm 51:1–13.