Proverbs 28:13, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
What’s the difference between a hypocrite and a disciple of Christ? The difference is the act of confession and renouncing of sin, “repentance.” Both the hypocrite and the disciple may sin, however, what makes the hypocrite double-minded, is that they would rather conceal and hide their sin, rather than confess and renounce it.
When hypocrites sin, they try to hide it from God and people by pretending to be something they are not. When disciples sin, they confess it to God to receive mercy because they believe they are righteous, holy and blameless in Christ.
In today’s proverb, King Solomon gives two choices for dealing with sin. On one hand, you can be like the hypocrite and try to conceal your sin and never prosper. On the other hand, you can renounce your sin and receive mercy and forgiveness. The choice is yours. I would rather be an obedient disciple of Christ that humbly confesses and renounces my sins and prospers, than be a hypocrite that suffers.
King Solomon also wrote in Proverbs 24:16, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.” Therefore, the righteous will always rise again and prosper (have success) because they are willing to let God change their behavior by renewing their mind. The wicked may stumble on the same sin as the disciple, but the difference is their attitude of pride. The wicked person’s pride will cause their calamity, not necessarily the sin. All sin can be forgiven, but the sin of rebellion keeps people from humbling themselves to be forgiven. Therefore, to be forgiven of sin, we must be willing to first humble ourselves before God and confess our great need for His mercy.
Thomas a Kempis wrote, “Happy is the man who renounces everything which may bring a stain or burden upon his conscience.” That is why the worst thing you can do when you sin, is try to hide it and pretend it didn’t happen. When you sin, be quick to confess it to God and those around you. Renounce your sin by truly allowing God to give you the desire to never to do it again. In Romans 12:1-2 Paul describes how we can live free from sin; “1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
First, offer your body to God in obedience and worship. Second, don’t think and act the way the world does. Third, let God’s Word give you new thoughts and attitudes. Lastly, make it your goal to live out God’s perfect will for your life. I challenge you from this day forward, that whenever you sin, to never be a hypocrite but be a righteous disciple with a prosperous life.
Reflection
Action
- Repent for any of the times you may have concealed your sin.
- Always be quick to confess and renounce your sin.
- When tempted to sin remember to offer your body to God as a living sacrifice, reject stinking thinking, renew your mind and obey God’s perfect will for your life.
