Proverbs 28:13 – Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

Charles Bridges (1794-1869) was well known as a prominent leader of the Evangelical Party in the Church of England. Here are a few nuggets on the above verse from his commentary on Proverbs. What a blessing it is to know that Jesus’ blood have covered us and washed us clean:

“God and man each cover sin; God in free unbounded grace; man in shame and hypocrisy…
Man confesses the debt; God crosses it out from his book; and sweet is the penitent’s
song–“Blessed is he whose sin is covered” (Ps, 32:1). The dying thief confesses, and the condemned is crowned with life eternal (Luke 23:43)…
The hypocrite confesses without forsaking. A hearty forsaking of sin is the best proof of true, sincere confessing…
Every moment of unconfessed sin adds to its burden and guilt. The thought of a nature estranged from God; a heart full of corruption; sins of youth and age; before and after conversion; against light and conviction, knowledge and love; the sins of our very confessions, their defilement, coldness, and too often self-righteous tendency; all supply abundant material for abasing acknowledgment and confession. Plead the greatness, not the smallness of your sin. Never deem any sin so trifling, as not to need the immediate application of the blood of Jesus Christ. Genuine conviction gives no rest, until by the believing apprehension of this remedy, the peace of God is firmly fixed in the conscience.”

May the Lord of abounding grace draw near and strengthen you today as you marvel that you are one who has personally experienced His mercy and know the joy of His forgiveness. May this lead you to a growing hatred of sin and a willingness to not only confess it, but forsake it!