My favorite “go-to” verse for the forgiveness of sins is 1st John 1:9, no doubt about that. It’s absolutely classic! “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” What amazing, even thrilling, Truth!

But in the Book of Proverbs I learn even more about this “sins” issue. I do mean the word to be plural, “sins.” Those pesky little “shortcomings” we Christians constantly battle.

In the Old Testament Reference the word remains plural, but a key verb is added. See if you can spot it …

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and FORSAKETH them shall have mercy.” Here (Proverbs 28:13) confession is complemented by the action word “forsaketh.” And in Hebrew “azab” means “to let loose, to leave, to refuse!”

Telling God about our sins, naming them (the main idea behind that Greek word “confess” in 1st John 1:9) … is easily done. But just confessing them (then continuing to practice them) is not enough! Surely some sorrow, repentance must be involved! (Like Paul’s term “godly sorrow” in 2nd Corinthians 7:10, clearly written to Christians.)

Yes indeed, name them … then get rid of them! “Forsake them!” Now I go back to Paul, who once even says “mortify them,” kill them or crucify them! See Colossians 3:5 for the “mortify” verb.

Confession to the Lord … good!

Confession and forsaking … better, much better!

Oh, how those “sins” cost us as Christians! They rob us of joy, peace, answers to prayer … stealing from us victory in so many areas.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. BUT YOUR INIQUITIES have separated between you and your God, and YOUR SINS have hid His Face from you, that He will not hear.” Isaiah 59:1-2

Then by all means let’s add Proverbs 29:13 to our Bible Memory Bank, right alongside 1st John 1:9. A very wise move …

Dr. Mike Bagwell

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