Proverbs 28:13

Context

Proverbs 25–29 form a collection introduced in Proverbs 25:1 as "proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out." Chapter 28 consists of short sayings that set the righteous against the wicked and those who keep the law against those who forsake it. Verse 13 is likewise an independent proverb, not linked to the surrounding verses by any narrative thread. Using antithetic parallelism, in which the first and second lines set opposing ideas side by side, it contrasts the outcomes awaiting the one who "covereth" his sins and the one who "confesseth and forsaketh them": "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." The Korean term rendered "confess" (jabok, 自服) means to disclose and acknowledge one's own wrongdoing.

Interpretation

• Reading as wisdom literature: The verse is read as a principle of life: those who conceal their wrongs ultimately fare poorly, while those who acknowledge and correct them are treated with leniency. On this reading, "prosper" refers less to material prosperity than to things going as they should.
• Reading as two elements of repentance: Many Protestant commentaries and sermons read "confessing" and "forsaking" together, holding that both verbally acknowledging sin and actually turning from that way belong to repentance. Preaching in the Methodist and Holiness traditions, which emphasize sanctification and holiness, often stresses the "forsaking" in particular, that is, actual change of life.
• Reading as divine mercy: "Shall have mercy" is read as a promise that God forgives those who confess their sins. On this reading, the verse is cited alongside Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:9 as a basis for speaking of grace.
• Reading by comparing words: The Hebrew verb rendered "cover" is the same word used in Proverbs 17:9, "He that covereth a transgression seeketh love." The two verses are therefore sometimes read together as a contrast: cover the faults of others, but do not cover your own.

Questions of Application

• To whom is confession made? The Catholic Church has the sacrament of penance, in which confession is made before a priest. Most Protestants regard direct confession to God as the norm and teach that wrongs done to others should be acknowledged to, and made right with, the person wronged (cf. James 5:16). The Lutheran and Anglican traditions retain a rite of private confession before a minister.
• Limits of public confession: Some point out that compelling people to confess their sins before the community can leave lasting harm or become a means of controlling them.
• Misunderstanding "prosper": Reading this verse as a promise that wealth and success follow confession has been criticized as an out-of-context interpretation akin to prosperity theology.

In the Korean Church

Korean churches have a custom of confessing sin through tongseong kido (praying aloud in unison). Public confession of sin is also reported to have been prominent during the Great Pyongyang Revival. Against this background, the verse is often cited in sermons and prayer meetings that call for repentance. It is also frequently quoted in writings urging church leaders whose wrongdoing has come to light to acknowledge it rather than conceal it.

Related Passages

• Psalm 32:5
• 1 John 1:9
• Proverbs 17:9
• James 5:16
• Isaiah 55:7