When my 6-year-old nephew gets in trouble, he often runs away. He wants to hide instead of face the consequences of his actions. He does this for two reasons. First, he wants to avoid getting in trouble. Second, he feels shame for what he did. Even as adults, don't we all want to hide at times? Don't we all want to escape the shame and consequences of sin? The truth is, while hiding may seem ideal, hiding never brings freedom. When we bring our temptation and sin to light, we can find true freedom and help.
The writer of Proverbs 28 calls us to come out of hiding when it comes to our sin. He writes, "People who conceal their sin will not prosper" (verse 13). The irony of this statement is that many people conceal their sins because they think coming out of hiding and admitting their sins will lead to destruction. Instead, concealing sin is what keeps people from prospering. You have likely experienced this truth. When we conceal sin, we carry the burden of trying to hide our sin and the concern that our sin will be discovered. We also carry the shame of our sin. This is no way to live.
It turns out that confessing sin is what brings about true freedom. The writer of Proverbs 28 continues in verse 13, "But if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy." Those who acknowledge their sin will find God's mercy, which He gives to everyone who turns to Him. This, my friend, means peace and relief for those who stop hiding their sin. When we confess our sin to God, He meets us with mercy and forgiveness. We let go of the guilt and shame we carried when we tried to hide our sin.
It is time, my friend, to come out of hiding. If we choose to cover up and hide our sins, we will not prosper. When we stop hiding and turn to God, He shows mercy. If we want to experience His freedom and mercy, we must be honest about our struggles and come out of hiding. Will you turn to Him today?
Write down Proverbs 28:13 on a notecard or piece of paper. Place it where you can see it often. Let this verse remind you to be open and honest about your struggles rather than hiding them. This way of life brings hope, life, and freedom.
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
but the godly are as bold as lions.
2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
3 A poor person who oppresses the poor
is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
to obey the law is to fight them.
5 Evil people don’t understand justice,
but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
6 Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and rich.
7 Young people who obey the law are wise;
those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
8 Income from charging high interest rates
will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
9 God detests the prayers
of a person who ignores the law.
10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the honest will inherit good things.
11 Rich people may think they are wise,
but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,
but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
Don’t protect him!
18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,
but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
21 Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.
24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
is no better than a murderer.
25 Greed causes fighting;
trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
