Proverbs 28:13

He that covereth his sins That does not confess them (as appears by the opposite clause) to God, and to men too, when occasion requires it: who, being convinced or admonished of his sins, either justifies, or denies, or excuses them; shall not prosper Shall not succeed in his design of avoiding punishment by the concealment of his sins; shall not find mercy, as is implied from the next clause. But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them From a sincere hatred to them, and a fixed and hearty resolution to walk in newness of life; shall have mercy Both from God, who hath promised it, and from men, who are ready to grant pardon and favour to such persons. Observe well, reader: although the dissembling, or hiding of his sins, is sufficient for a man's damnation, yet mere confession, without forsaking of sin, is not sufficient for his salvation.