Tuesday 30 September 2025
No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (v. 13)
Background
The wisdom that we find in the book of Proverbs can at times sound like the wisdom which a child learns at their mother’s knee. When they face unfairness or cruelty that seem to go unchallenged they might well ask why the world seems so unjust. The wisdom they receive is to be patient, for all is not as it appears.
There are echoes of this approach in today’s passage. Those who struggle in life can nevertheless see that wealth can be deceptive. Those who seek to exert power over others and exploit them will never win their hearts and minds.
However the wisdom of Proverbs is based on something more than the simple human hope that everything will eventually come right. It is based on the character of God as revealed through the Law and through the Prophets. The Law speaks of a holy God who calls on God’s people to be holy. One of the ways in which that holiness is expressed is through care for the weak in society and for the stranger. The prophets speak of what God desires from us and point to justice, mercy and humility. Such God-like attitudes are expected of leaders, as today’s reading makes clear. They also apply to everyone.
Verse 13 underlines this point. It is the only place in Proverbs that speaks of forgiveness for those who confess their sins. Such mercy comes not only from the one who has been hurt or offended by the confessor’s words or actions. It comes ultimately from God. In contrast to earthly rulers who wickedly betray their trust, the judge of all the earth does right. (Genesis 18:25)
To Ponder:
- Are there times when I run the risk of being wise in my own eyes and failing to spot deluded attitudes?
- When we see leaders and rulers acting unjustly towards others how should we respond?
Prayer
Grant me, Lord, such a vision of your glory, majesty, holiness and righteousness that I tremble before you and then seek to please you by walking in your ways. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary minister, originally from Ireland where he served in a number of different appointments, but now living in Solihull on the Birmingham Circuit.