Proverbs 28:13

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

American King James Version (AKJV)

He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.

American Standard Version (ASV)

He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

He who keeps his sins secret will not do well; but one who is open about them, and gives them up, will get mercy.

Webster's Revision

He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but he who confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.

World English Bible

He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

English Revised Version (ERV)

He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy.

Clarke's Proverbs 28:13 Bible Commentary

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's Proverbs 28:13 Bible Commentary

The conditions of freedom are confession and amendment, confession to God of sins against Him, to men of sins against them. The teaching of ethical wisdom on this point is identical with that of psalmist, prophet, apostles, and our Lord Himself.