Reading With the People of God #14 ProverbsSample

The Courage to Come Clean

Proverbs 24 is filled with contrasts between the righteous and the wicked, wisdom and folly. One striking truth comes in verse 16:

“Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

The difference isn’t that the righteous never stumble; they don’t stay down. Wisdom acknowledges failure but presses on in repentance and renewal.

This same spirit runs through 2 Corinthians 7. Paul reflects on a hard letter he wrote to confront sin in the church. At first, he regretted it—no one enjoys causing pain. But then he saw the fruit:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret” (v. 10).

That’s the beauty of grace—it doesn’t just grieve over sin; it changes us.

There’s a kind of sorrow that paralyzes and shames, but Paul celebrates a better kind: one that wakes us up, moves us forward, and clears the way for restoration. The Corinthians didn’t wallow—they repented. And the result?

“Earnestness… eagerness to clear yourselves… alarm… longing… concern” (v. 11).

Godly sorrow bore good fruit.

Taken together, Proverbs 24 and 2 Corinthians 7 paint a hopeful picture. Falling isn’t the end. What matters is how we respond. Do we hide, excuse, or deny? Or do we come clean, turn to God, and rise again?

The gospel invites us to honesty—because through Christ, repentance isn’t the path to shame but the way back to joy.

Reflective Question:
Is there an area in your life where God is inviting you to move from regret to repentance—to rise again in His grace?

Prayer of Illumination:
Father, open my heart to the truth of Your Word. Where I have fallen, help me to rise again. Teach me not to fear repentance but to welcome it as a gift of Your grace. Let godly sorrow do its good work in me, leading me to freedom, joy, and renewal in Christ. Amen.