Proverbs 28:13

The Message

You can’t whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.

Cross References

Genesis 4:9

God said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “How should I know? Am I his babysitter?”

2 Samuel 12:13

Then David confessed to Nathan, “I’ve sinned against God.” Nathan pronounced, “Yes, but that’s not the last word. God forgives your sin. You won’t die for it. But because of your blasphemous behavior, the son born to you will die.”

2 Samuel 14:32

Absalom answered him, “Listen, I sent for you saying, ‘Come, and soon. I want to send you to the king to ask, “What’s the point of my coming back from Geshur? I’d be better off still there!” Let me see the king face-to-face. If he finds me guilty, then he can put me to death.’”

2 Kings 20:15

“And what did they see in your palace?” “Everything,” said Hezekiah. “There isn’t anything I didn’t show them—I gave them the grand tour.”

2 Chronicles 6:26

When the skies shrivel up and there is no rain because your people have sinned against you, but then they pray at this place, acknowledging your rule and quit their sins because you have scourged them, Listen from your home in heaven, forgive the sins of your servants, your people Israel. Then start over with them; train them to live right and well; Send rain on the land you gave as inheritance to your people.

Ezra 10:2

Shecaniah son of Jehiel of the family of Elam, acting as spokesman, said to Ezra: “We betrayed our God by marrying foreign wives from the people around here. But all is not lost; there is still hope for Israel. Let’s make a covenant right now with our God, agreeing to get rid of all these wives and their children, just as my master and those who honor God’s commandment are saying. It’s what The Revelation says, so let’s do it.

Job 34:31

“So why don’t you simply confess to God? Say, ‘I sinned, but I’ll sin no more. Teach me to see what I still don’t see. Whatever evil I’ve done, I’ll do it no more.’ Just because you refuse to live on God’s terms, do you think he should start living on yours? You choose. I can’t do it for you. Tell me what you decide.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred starts fights, but love pulls a quilt over the bickering.

Proverbs 17:9

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

Daniel 4:27

“So, king, take my advice: Make a clean break with your sins and start living for others. Quit your wicked life and look after the needs of the down-and-out. Then you will continue to have a good life.”

Leviticus 5:5

“When you are guilty, immediately confess the sin that you’ve committed and bring as your penalty to God for the sin you have committed a female lamb or goat from the flock for an Absolution-Offering. “In this way, the priest will make atonement for your sin.

Jonah 3:10

God saw what they had done, that they had turned away from their evil lives. He did change his mind about them. What he said he would do to them he didn’t do.

Judges 10:15

The People of Israel said to God: “We’ve sinned. Do to us whatever you think best, but please, get us out of this!”

1 Samuel 15:13

As Samuel came close, Saul called out, “God’s blessings on you! I accomplished God’s plan to the letter!”

1 Samuel 15:24

Saul gave in and confessed, “I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over God’s Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do. Oh, absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship God!”

1 Samuel 15:30

Saul tried again, “I have sinned. But don’t abandon me! Support me with your presence before the leaders and the people. Come alongside me as I go back to worship God.”