Proverbs 28:13
Proverbs 28:13 in Multiple Translations
He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.
He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.
People who hide their sins won't succeed, but those who confess and renounce their sins will be shown kindness.
He that hideth his sinnes, shall not prosper: but he that confesseth, and forsaketh them, shall haue mercy.
Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing and forsaking hath mercy.
He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but he that shall confess, and forsake them, shall obtain mercy.
Those who refuse to confess/admit their sins will not prosper, but God acts mercifully/kindly toward those who confess their sins and turn away from their sinful behavior.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 28:13
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 28:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
פְ֭שָׁעָי/ו
לֹ֣א
יַצְלִ֑יחַ
וּ/מוֹדֶ֖ה
וְ/עֹזֵ֣ב
יְרֻחָֽם
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel
פְ֭שָׁעָי/ו
peshaʻ
H6588
transgression
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יַצְלִ֑יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
וּ/מוֹדֶ֖ה
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
Conj | V-Hiphil
וְ/עֹזֵ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
Conj | V-Qal
יְרֻחָֽם
râcham
H7355
to have compassion
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 28:13
מְכַסֶּ֣ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
פְ֭שָׁעָי/ו
peshaʻ
H6588
"transgression"
N-mp | Suff
Transgression refers to a revolt or rebellion against God or others, resulting in guilt and punishment, as in Genesis 3:6-7. It involves intentional disobedience.
Definition: 1) transgression, rebellion 1a1) transgression (against individuals) 1a2) transgression (nation against nation) 1a3) transgression (against God) 1a3a) in general 1a3b) as recognised by sinner 1a3c) as God deals with it 1a3d) as God forgives 1a4) guilt of transgression 1a5) punishment for transgression 1a6) offering for transgression
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. See also: Genesis 31:36; Proverbs 29:6; Psalms 5:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַצְלִ֑יחַ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
וּ/מוֹדֶ֖ה
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
Conj | V-Hiphil
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
וְ/עֹזֵ֣ב
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
Conj | V-Qal
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
יְרֻחָֽם
râcham
H7355
"to have compassion"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to have compassion or show love, often used to describe God's mercy towards humanity, as seen in the Bible. It involves deep feelings of sympathy and kindness. In the KJV, it is translated as having mercy or pity.
Definition: 1) to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection, have compassion 1a) (Qal) to love 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to have compassion, be compassionate 1b1a) of God, man 1c) (Pual) to be shown compassion, be compassionate
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: have compassion (on, upon), love, (find, have, obtain, shew) mercy(-iful, on, upon), (have) pity, Ruhamah, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 60:10; Psalms 18:2.
Study Notes — Proverbs 28:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 28:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 28:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 28:13
Context — The Boldness of the Righteous
11A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
12When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
14Blessed is the man who is always reverent, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble. 15Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 John 1:8–10 | If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us. |
| 2 | Psalms 32:3–5 | When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat. Selah Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah |
| 3 | Job 31:33 | if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart, |
| 4 | Luke 15:18–24 | I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. The son declared, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. ’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 3:12–13 | Go, proclaim this message toward the north: ‘Return, O faithless Israel,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will no longer look on you with anger, for I am merciful,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt, that you have rebelled against the LORD your God. You have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every green tree and have not obeyed My voice,’” declares the LORD. |
| 6 | Daniel 9:20–23 | While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain— while I was still praying, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and spoke with me, saying: “O Daniel, I have come now to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your petitions, an answer went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly precious. So consider the message and understand the vision: |
| 7 | Psalms 51:1–5 | Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me. |
| 8 | Job 33:27 | Then he sings before men with these words: ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right; yet I did not get what I deserved. |
| 9 | Exodus 10:16–17 | Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “I have sinned against the LORD your God and against you. Now please forgive my sin once more and appeal to the LORD your God, that He may remove this death from me.” |
| 10 | Matthew 23:25–28 | Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. |
Proverbs 28:13 Summary
This verse means that when we try to hide or cover up our sins, we will not experience true success or happiness, but when we admit and turn away from our sins, we can find mercy and forgiveness from God, as seen in Psalm 51:17 and Luke 15:11-24. It's like having a weight lifted off our shoulders when we confess and renounce our sins. By seeking forgiveness and turning to God, we can experience His love and mercy, and start fresh with a clean heart, as promised in Isaiah 1:18 and 1 Corinthians 5:17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to conceal sins, and how does it affect our relationship with God?
Concealing sins means hiding or denying our wrongdoing, which can lead to a broken relationship with God, as seen in Proverbs 28:13, but confessing and renouncing them can lead to mercy, as promised in Psalm 32:5 and 1 John 1:9.
How can we renounce our sins, and what does that look like in our daily lives?
Renouncing sins involves turning away from them and seeking forgiveness, as taught in Acts 3:19 and 1 Thessalonians 1:9, and it can be a daily process of surrendering to God's will and seeking His guidance.
What is the difference between confessing and renouncing sins, and why are both necessary?
Confessing sins involves acknowledging and admitting our wrongdoing, as seen in Proverbs 28:13, while renouncing them involves turning away from them and seeking a change of heart, as taught in Ezekiel 18:30 and 2 Corinthians 7:10, and both are necessary for true repentance and restoration.
How can we balance the need for humility and confession with the fear of judgment or rejection from others?
We can balance humility and confession with the fear of judgment by remembering that God's mercy and love are greater than any human judgment, as promised in Romans 8:1 and 1 Peter 3:13, and by seeking forgiveness and accountability from trusted friends or mentors, as encouraged in James 5:16 and Galatians 6:1-2.
Reflection Questions
- What sins or habits in my life am I trying to conceal, and how can I take steps to confess and renounce them today?
- How has my relationship with God been affected by my attempts to hide or deny my sins, and what can I do to restore that relationship?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek mercy and forgiveness, and how can I humble myself to receive that mercy?
- What does it mean for me to 'find mercy' as promised in Proverbs 28:13, and how can I experience that mercy in my daily life?
- How can I create a culture of confession and accountability in my community or family, and what benefits can come from that?
Gill's Exposition 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. He that covereth his sins (by denying or extenuating them, 1 Samuel 15:20-21) shall not prosper.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
That covereth his sins; that doth not confess them (as appears by the opposite clause) to God, and to men too, when occasion requires it; that being convinced or admonished of his sins, either justifieth, or denieth, or excuseth them. Shall not prosper; shall not succeed in his design of avoiding punishment by the concealment of his sins; shall not find mercy, as is implied from the next clause. Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, by hearty dislike and hatred of all his sins, and by a resolved cessation from a sinful course of life. This is added, to show, that although the dissembling or hiding one’ s sins is sufficient for his damnation, yet mere confession without forsaking of sin is not sufficient for salvation. Shall have mercy, both from God, who hath promised, and from men, who are ready to grant pardon and favour to such persons.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.Ver. 13. He that covereth his sins shall not prosper.] Sin is a traitor and must not be hid; for if so, now it sucks a man’ s breast, shortly it will suck his blood. Sin is a sore and must be opened, a sickness, and must be declared to the physician; the concealing of one circumstance may endanger all. Sin is a deformity that must be uncovered, or God will never cover it: see it we must to confession, or see it we shall to our confusion. If Job had covered his transgression as Adam - or "after the manner of men" - he had undone himself. It is the manner of men - and they have it from Adam - to palliate their sins and plead for them, to elevate and extenuate them, to mince and excuse them. Sin and shifting came into the world together. Sin and Satan are alike in this, they cannot abide to appear in their own colour. Some deal with their souls as others do with their bodies; when their beauty is decayed they desire to hide it from themselves by false glasses, and from others by painting; so their sins from themselves by false glosses, and from others by excuses. These must not look for Gaius’ s prosperity The sunshine also of their outward prosperity ripens their sin apace, and so fits them for destruction.
Never was Ephraim’ s case so desperate as when God said "Ephraim is joined with idols, let him alone"; nor Jerusalem so near destruction as when God said, "My fury shall depart from thee; I will be quiet, and no more angry." To prosper in sin is the greatest unhappiness that can befall a man out of hell. But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, &c.] Confession of sin must be joined with confusion of sin, or all is lost. Papists use confession as drunkards use vomiting, that they may "add drunkenness to thirst." Profane people use it as Louis XI of France did his crucifix; he would swear an oath and then kiss it, and swear again and then kiss it again; so they sin and confess they do not well, nor will they strive to do better. As they sorrow not to a transmentation with those Corinthians, so they confess not to an utter abandoning of their wicked courses. They confess, as those Israelites did, "We have sinned, we will go up." They might as well have said, ‘ We have sinned, we will sin,’ for God had flatly forbidden them to go up at that time. They confess, as Saul did, "I have sinned," viz., in humouring the people, "yet honour me," said he, "before the people." As the Philistines confessed God’ s hand, yet sent away the ark, so do these. They that confess and forsake not are only dog sick; when they have disgorged their stomachs they will return to their vomit.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
(13) He that covereth his sins.—As Adam and Eve did, when they had transgressed (Genesis 3:8), as David did to his own loss (Psalms 32:3.) Whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy, and be at once completely forgiven; though he must still suffer the punishment due for his offences (2 Samuel 12:14, sqq.), and will, for having yielded to temptation, be the less able to resist it when next assailed by it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
Verse 13. He that covereth his sins] Here is a general direction relative to conversion. 1. If the sinner do not acknowledge his sins; if he cover and excuse them, and refuse to come to the light of God's word and Spirit, lest his deeds should be reproved, he shall find no salvation. God will never admit a sinful, unhumbled soul, into his kingdom. 2. But if he confess his sin, with a penitent and broken heart, and, by forsaking every evil way, give this proof that he feels his own sore, and the plague of his heart, then he shall have mercy. Here is a doctrine of vital importance to the salvation of the soul, which the weakest may understand.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 28:13
The conditions of freedom are confession and amendment, confession to God of sins against Him, to men of sins against them.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 28:13
13. Covereth… not prosper — See this proverb illustrated in Psalms 32:1-5; 1 John 1:9-10.
Sermons on Proverbs 28:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and |
|
Dependable Priest by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Hebrews 4:14 and the concept of Jesus as a dependable high priest. He emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to our faith and reminds t |
|
The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based |
|
The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes four important steps for spiritual growth. First, he urges the audience to put away any doubtful habits from their lives. Second, he emphasize |
|
|
Be Sure Your Sin Will Find You Out by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not lusting after evil things, drawing from the example of the Israelites in the Bible. He explains that their story serve |
|
The Plague of the Heart by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of sin and its stealthy nature. He highlights the fact that many people refuse to acknowledge the presence of sin in their hearts. |
|
|
How to Have a Personal Revival by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a personal revival. He encourages listeners to set their faces like flint, meaning to have a determined and unwaver |