Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

God desires us to be honest in our admission of guilt and wrongdoing.

Joshua said to him, “My son, tell the truth here before the LORD, the God of Israel, and confess. Tell me now what you have done. Don’t try to hide it from me.”
Joshua 7.19

God allows us to confess our wrongdoing without fear of rejection.

“LORD God of Israel, you are just, but you have let us survive. We confess our guilt to you; we have no right to come into your presence.”
Ezra 9.15

God is pleased when we willingly confess our wrongdoing with a genuine heart.

“Now then, confess your sins to the LORD, the God of your ancestors, and do what pleases him.”
Ezra 10.11a

Our true confessions made to God will leave us refreshed and delighted because we have pleased God.

Happy are those whose sins are forgiven,
whose wrongs are pardoned.
Happy is the one whom the LORD
does not accuse of doing wrong
and who is free from all deceit.

When I did not confess my sins,
I was worn out from crying all day long.
Day and night you punished me, LORD;
my strength was completely drained,
as moisture is dried up by the summer heat.

Then I confessed my sins to you;
I did not conceal my wrongdoings.
I decided to confess them to you,
and you forgave all my sins.
Psalm 32.1-5

God shows us mercy and forgiveness as we confess our sins.

You will never succeed in life if you try to
hide your sins. Confess them and give them up;
then God will show mercy to you.
Proverbs 28.13