Proverbs 28:13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

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.