Definition: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important verse from Proverbs 28:13. It’s a really powerful message about how our actions and honesty affect our lives. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially says that confessing your mistakes and taking responsibility for them is crucial for success and happiness. It’s not just about being honest; it’s about how you respond to those mistakes. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “He who covereth his sins” : This refers to hiding your wrongdoings, guilt, shame, or bad habits from others and even from yourself. It's about keeping things hidden. “…shall not prosper” : This means that if you don’t address your mistakes, you won’t have good results in life – you won’t be successful, happy, or respected. It suggests a lack of prosperity. “But whoso confesseth and forsaketh [them] shall have mercy” : This is the key part! Confessing means admitting your mistakes, taking responsibility for them, and apologizing. Forsaking means letting go of those sins – not just stopping them, but actively working to stop them. “Have mercy” means showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards yourself and others who are affected by your mistakes. Think of it this way: Just pretending you’re okay when you're not is like hiding a problem. It won't disappear, and it will eventually cause problems for you. Taking responsibility and confessing leads to healing and ultimately, mercy – something incredibly valuable. In short, the verse encourages us to be honest with ourselves and others, even when we make mistakes. It’s about acknowledging our errors and seeking forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you an example of how this principle applies in real life?