Covering Sin
W. Arnot, D.D. Proverbs 28:13 He that covers his sins shall not prosper: but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. Certain great iron castings have been ordered for a railway-bridge. The thickness has been calculated according to the extent of the span and the weight of the load. The contractor constructs his moulds according to the specification, and when all is ready, pours in the molten metal. In the process of casting, through some defect in the mould, portions of air lurk in the heart of the iron, and cavities like those of a honeycomb are formed in the interior of the beam; but all defects are hid, and flaws are effectually concealed. The artisan has covered his fault, but he will not prosper. As soon as it is subjected to a strain the beam gives way. Sin covered becomes a rotten hollow in a human soul, and when the strain comes the false gives way. (W. Arnot, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. WEB: He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.