Proverbs 28:13
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
In Proverbs 28:13, there are four words that highlight valuable instruction for consideration. According to Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon; “Cover,” Prosper,” “Confesses,” and “Forsakes” have the following meanings:
» Cover (kacah): “to cover, to conceal, to hide.”
» Prosper (tsalach): “to advance, to prosper, to make progress, to succeed, to be profitable.”
» Confesses (yadah): “to throw, to shoot, to cast” and by extension, “to confess” or even “to praise.”
» Forsakes (azab): “to leave, to loose, to forsake, to let go.”
When we consider the meanings of these words, it apparent that if we try to hide or ignore our faults, our chances for success in life are dim. If we admit our faults and put them behind us, we will have favor. In the book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck remarks that “it is easier for us to try and forget a problem that we know exists than to deal with it.” He states a fundamental truth about our problems. If we do not deal with a problem, it will never go away. It will always come up later or manifest itself in a different form.
Spiritually, if we are not honest with ourselves about our sins and shortcomings, we may not reach our full potential. God can show us our sins, but He will not force us to overcome. The decision to overcome is our decision. We must see ourselves for what we are and have the desire to make the conscious choice to change. The apostle Paul instructs us in Philippians 2:12-13: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”.
