People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13
For the longest time in my life, I had no idea that I needed glasses. I thought my vision was fine because I could see the teacher's board well. I did not consider that my apparent "clumsiness" might be a result of poor vision. I went to the eye doctor in middle school for a checkup and found out that my vision was quite poor. Understanding my poor vision was key to correcting it. I started wearing glasses and contacts to counteract my poor vision so that I could truly see well. Similarly, when we acknowledge the temptations we are struggling with, we are better able to act against that temptation because we are expecting it to come, and we can develop habits to fight against it.
Proverbs 28 reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the specific sins that we are struggling with. "People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy" (verse 13). According to this verse, concealing sin does nothing good. When we conceal our temptation to sin, we are not able to properly fight against it. This happens because we pretend that it's not there. We don't have a plan when temptation comes. We tend to let it happen to us rather than fight it and say "no" to temptation. It's true what this verse in Proverbs 28 says. Concealing our sin leads to a decline in our lives, which is the opposite of prosperity.
Confessing our sin and acknowledging the specific temptations we struggle with will make them become real so that we expect them rather than become surprised when these temptations come.
My friend, when it comes to temptation, you have one of two options. You can either acknowledge it and turn away from it, which leads to prosperity, or you can conceal it, which leads to a decline in our lives. Let's be people who are unafraid to confront our sin in our lives.
Today, it's time to acknowledge the temptations that you often struggle with. Are you tempted with pride? Does the sin of sloth (or laziness) often tempt you? Maybe you struggle with the temptation to be envious of other people. Whatever your struggles are, write them down. By doing this, you recognize your struggles and your need for help to fight against these temptations.
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
but the godly are as bold as lions.
When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
A poor person who oppresses the poor
is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
to obey the law is to fight them.
Evil people don’t understand justice,
but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
Better to be poor and honest
than to be dishonest and rich.
Young people who obey the law are wise;
those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
Income from charging high interest rates
will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
God detests the prayers
of a person who ignores the law.
Those who lead good people along an evil path
will fall into their own trap,
but the honest will inherit good things.
Rich people may think they are wise,
but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,
but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
Don’t protect him!
The blameless will be rescued from harm,
but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
A hard worker has plenty of food,
but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
Showing partiality is never good,
yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
Greedy people try to get rich quick
but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.
In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
far more than flattery.
Anyone who steals from his father and mother
and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
is no better than a murderer.
Greed causes fighting;
trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
