Right About Wrong

Right About Wrong

6Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. 7Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents. 8Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor. 9God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. 10Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things. 11Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them. 12When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. 13People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. 14Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

Proverbs 28:6-14

You can’t tell whether your friend is serious or not at first, but then his face convinces you. He’s just confessed a bitterness he’s had against you and asked for your forgiveness. At first you’re surprised, not because you didn’t think he would have this problem, but because you never expected him to be so honest. Mostly you admire him for taking the risk of being vulnerable.

Since admitting that we’re wrong comes at great expense, Proverbs 28 goes over some of the benefits to help us move in that direction. If you’re not used to doing this, take it slow. But there’s a lot to gain by confessing your mistakes. Swallow hard and give it a try.

Other thoughts in this chapter include keeping the law; avoiding quick riches; and working hard.

Read Proverbs 28:1-28

“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). Despite this wisdom, something in each of us strongly resists admitting our mistakes and sins. That may be why we admire people who openly and graciously do exactly that. These people have a strong self-image. They do not always have to be right to feel good about themselves.

It may be painful to admit our mistakes and sins, but this is the path we must take if we want to truly correct our behavior and to seek others’ forgiveness.

Be willing to admit when you’re wrong and to seek forgiveness from others. Being open and honest is the first step to experiencing peace and joy in your relationship with Christ and with others. To be successful in life—admit your mistakes.