Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 28:13

13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper : but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy .

That doth not confess them (as appears by the opposite clause) to God, and to Men too, when occasion requires it. That being convinced or admonished of his sins, either justifieth, ordenieth, or excuseth them.

Shall not succeed in his design of avoiding punishment by the concealment of his sins, shall not find mercy, as is implied from the next clause.

By hearty dislike and hatred of all his sins, and by a resolved cessation from a sinful course of Life. This is added to shew that although the dissembling or hiding ones sins is sufficient for his damnation, yet meer confession without forsaking of sin is not sufficient for Salvation.

Both from God who hath promised, and from Men who are ready to grant pardon and favour to such persons.

Marginal references: Ps. 32. 3, 5. 1 Joh. 1. 9, 10.