Dr. Tan Tek Seng

Daily Reflection

November 17 , 2025

" He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and renounces his sins will find mercy. "

Proverbs 28:13

When a person conceals their sins, it's like a spiritual infection that continues to grow — hindering growth, robbing peace, and preventing blessings. Hidden sins can never be healed; only repentance can bring restoration.

Augustine of Hippo, born in North Africa in 354 AD, is one of the most influential voices in Christian history. His early life was filled with unease and a thirst for meaning, yet he constantly tried to escape his inner turmoil—pursuing success while ignoring the turmoil deep within his heart.

However, everything changed when Augustine met Christ. He not only confessed his sins but also openly poured out his heart before God and resolved to abandon his former life. In repentance, he experienced the freedom that grace brings. Augustine became a courageous witness to the truth, proving that no one is beyond the reach of redemption as long as they are willing to humble themselves, confess their sins, and turn back to God.

His life tells us that true prosperity lies not in concealing our shortcomings, but in exposing them to the light of God's mercy. Blessings do not come to the proud, but to those who are willing to confess their sins, repent, and turn away from the old ways. May Augustine's example remind us that repentance is the gateway to peace, growth, and joy in walking in the truth of God's liberation.

Proverbs 28:13 teaches us that honesty with God brings wholeness, while secrecy leads to spiritual stagnation. True prosperity — peace, integrity, joy, and fellowship with God — comes not from perfection, but from choosing transparency, humility, and a transformed, repentant heart.

" Confessing your sins opens the door to mercy. Honesty invites healing. Submission guides transformation. "