Revealing The Obvious

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.” (Pr 28:13 AV)

I saw this a bit differently this morning. The first question that popped into my head is from whom are we hiding our sins?  From whom are we covering up our transgressions?  If from other people, does that mean that each time we sin we have to go to a human confessor and spill the beans?  If that be the case, then those religions that have human intercessors as a necessary office for God’s mercy are correct.  The above verse states that confession and forsaking result in mercy.  It is implied that to whom the sinner confesses is the same who grants mercy.  That would rule out a human agent for the granting of general mercy.  No, Solomon might be implying that the sins committed are against another person and only be confessing and forsaking them can the sinner receive mercy from his victim.  Yet I don’t think this is what he is implying.  Rather, I think the wise king is saying that he who covers his sin from God is walking in the wrath of God, and only be confessing and forsaking can he receive mercy from God.

This begs another question.  If God can see all things, how can we cover our sins from Him?  How can we possibly keep anything from a God who sees all things and knows all things?  My mind went to Adam and Eve.  When they partook of the forbidden fruit, their first instinct was to pervert what God had made good and cover it up.  I also noticed that our wise sage did not say to uncover sin.  He simply stated to confess and forsake.  Adam and Eve continued to be clothed.  They did not forsake the necessary actions required because of their sin.  Therefore, uncovering our sin is not for God’s sake.  He already knows about it.  Uncovering our sin is for our sakes.  The pretense must come down.  Humility and honesty must rule.  It makes no sense to attempt to hide something from God who knows all things.  It makes no sense to cover up what God already knows.  Mercy can only be attained through transparency.  A brutal examination of our hearts is needed.  The act itself is just the beginning.  Knowing why we did what we did and why it is so wrong is the point.  Examination is more than skin deep.  Examination goes to the heart of sin itself.

Lastly, let us also notice that the attainment of mercy is ongoing.  The phrase ‘shall have’ is a continuous state.  In other words, if our habit of life is to go to God confessing and forsaking, then mercy is a constant reality.  Confessing and forsaking are not one-time actions.  Our sin is far greater than that.  Rather, confession and forsaking should be a habit of life.  A word of advice, however, is that the LORD’s prayer (as a model) involves far more than confession and forsaking.  It involves praise for God, requests for our basic needs, and the welfare of others.  If all we do is go to God for confession and forsaking so that we can attain mercy, our motive may not be as pure as it should be.  Praise be to God who gives us continuing mercy as we seek forgiveness of sin and victory over sin!  Praise God for His mercy!  It endures forever!