Proverbs

Proverbs 28: The LORD gives mercy

Begin in prayer

Before we read the promise of mercy to those who confess and renounce sin, let us be honest before God. Ask Him to remove our excuses and bring us to Jesus.

then he shall confess his sin which he has done, and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, and add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty.

Numbers 5:7

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us the sins we try to hide or excuse. Lead us to the mercy of Jesus and teach us honesty, generosity and a willing ear for Your Word. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The wicked flee, while the righteous have courage, and integrity in poverty is better than wealth gained through crooked ways. People who reject the law praise wickedness, and even the prayer of someone who refuses instruction becomes hateful. Concealing sin prevents prosperity, while confessing and renouncing it finds mercy. Wicked rulers terrify helpless people, and the person guilty of shedding blood remains a fugitive until death without support. Haste for riches, partial judgment, robbing parents and closing one’s eyes to the poor bring ruin. Trust in the LORD stands against greed and foolish confidence in oneself.

As you read Proverbs 28, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD gives mercy to those who confess and renounce sin, while proud concealment leads to ruin.

Concealing sin means defending it, denying it or refusing to own the wrong. Confession brings it into the open before God, while renouncing it turns away from the course we defended. Mercy is given to the repentant person, rather than purchased by the worth of his confession. The warning about prayer exposes the contradiction of speaking to God while refusing to hear Him. Crooked gain also appears in excessive interest, dishonest partiality and a child’s robbery of parents. The ruler who oppresses helpless people resembles a dangerous animal instead of a protector. Trust in the LORD rejects the greed that stirs strife and the self confidence called foolishness. Such trust learns honesty and generosity under God’s instruction.

How does Proverbs 28 show us that the LORD gives mercy to those who confess and renounce sin, while proud concealment leads to ruin?

The LORD’s mercy calls us to confess and forsake sin.

Hiding wrongdoing leaves the guilt untouched. The person who confesses and renounces it finds mercy. A hardened heart falls into trouble, while reverent fear receives the warning.

Trust in the LORD refuses greed and self reliance.

The greedy person stirs strife, while the one who trusts the LORD prospers. Trusting in oneself is folly. Wisdom gives to the poor and refuses the haste for riches that brings punishment.

Memorise

He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, what sin am I concealing when Jesus calls me to repent and seek His mercy?

“Whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” God’s promise gives us reason to stop hiding. Confession owns the guilt that only His mercy can remove.

That mercy comes through Jesus, who died for His people. He took their sins upon Himself and endured God’s judgment at the cross. He rose alive from the tomb. His sacrifice has supplied everything needed for their pardon, so they cannot add another payment.

Turn from your sin and trust Jesus with honest confession. The LORD who promised mercy keeps that promise, and He forgives everyone who trusts Jesus. Renounce the wrongdoing you have defended and ask Him for a willing heart. His mercy welcomes the sinner who comes without excuses.

Parent's note

Tell your children that confession owns the wrong and turns from it, while mercy is God’s gift through Jesus. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for mercy that calls us out of concealment and into honest repentance. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Romans 4:7

Merciful Lord, thank You for inviting sinners to confess and find mercy. Please lead us to Jesus with honest repentance and faith. Turn us from hiding, greed and trust in ourselves. Give our family willing ears for Your Word and generous hands toward people in need. Amen.