Understanding Proverbs 20:9 and What the Bible Says About Our Need for Forgiveness
Let’s be honest—have you ever thought, “I’m a good person. I do my best. I don’t really need to worry about sin”? The Bible has a gentle, but clear, answer to that idea.
Proverbs 20:9 asks, “Who can say, ‘I have made my heart pure; I am clean from my sin’?” The point here is simple: no one can truthfully claim to be perfectly pure or sinless. We all mess up, whether it’s in our actions, our words, or even our thoughts.
This isn’t just in Proverbs. All throughout the Bible, the same message comes up. Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, “There is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” Romans 3:23 puts it right out there: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” In other words, nobody gets it right all the time. We all stumble. We all make mistakes.
Even James 3:2 admits, “We all stumble in many ways,” especially with our words. And 1 John 1:8 says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” That means pretending we’re perfect just isn’t being real. We’re only fooling ourselves.
Why does the Bible keep repeating this? Because it’s important! It helps us stay humble. When we realize we’ve all got flaws, it’s easier to show patience to others, admit our own mistakes, and ask for forgiveness. We don’t need to pretend we’re flawless or better than anyone else.
But here’s the hope: the Bible doesn’t leave us feeling hopeless about our shortcomings. It tells us that God knows we aren’t perfect. That’s why Jesus came—to offer forgiveness and a fresh start. Romans 3:21-26 explains that God made a way for us to be made right with him, not by our own efforts, but through trusting in Jesus.
So what should we do? The Bible encourages us to be honest with ourselves and with God. Confess when you mess up. Admit when you need help. Ask for forgiveness. God is ready to give it, not because we earned it, but because he loves us.
At the same time, the Bible says that wisdom—knowing what’s right and humbly trying to live it out—is even more valuable than riches. It shelters us during life’s storms and helps us treat others with kindness. True faith isn’t about pretending to be perfect, but about being changed from the inside out, walking humbly, and letting God’s grace guide us every day.
In short: None of us can say we’ve made ourselves completely pure. We all need God’s forgiveness and help. The good news is, he freely offers both to all who ask. So let’s be honest, humble, and grateful for the grace that meets us right where we are.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 