Confession is Good for the Soul Meaning
Definition: Admitting your sins honestly is therapeutic and will make you feel better.
Origin of Confession is Good for the Soul
Most sources identify this expression as an old Scottish proverb. The exact origin is hard to trace. However, digital records seem to show that this idiom appeared around the mid-1800s.
Some people might assume it comes from the Bible. While the idea of confession is an important one in Christianity, this idiom is not found in the Bible, in either this exact form or similar wording.
The idea behind the idiom is that if you hide your sins, you will feel more and more guilty. If you confess your sins, you can find peace.
Examples of Confession is Good for the Soul
Here is an example of a teacher using the expression in a math class.
Teacher: John, did I just see you cheat on your test? It looked like you were copying Allison’s answers.
Student: No, I would never cheat.
Teacher: Are you sure about that? Remember that confession is good for the soul. Also, if I see that your answers match Allison’s you’ll be in even bigger trouble if you lie to me.
Student: Okay, fine. I cheated. I’m sorry!
In this example, two friends are discussing a book that they read for their book club.
Monica: Apparently, this book is autobiographical. I can’t believe how honest the author is. He seems to hide nothing, even when it makes him look selfish.
Janice: I agree. He must not care much about his reputation. Or maybe he just believes really strongly in the idea of confession is good for the soul.
More Examples
This excerpt is a quote from a recap of a science fiction TV show.
- “They say confession is good for the soul. Good thing none of us have one anymore,” Mudd says. –Baltimore Sun
The second excerpt is from a recap of a different show.
- I suppose confession is good for the soul– if you have one. Dr. Gray is killing serial killers, but only after she manipulates them into killing for her and sharing their exploits. –Honolulu Star Advertiser
Summary
The phrase confession is good for the soul is a proverb that advises people to come clean regarding anything that they are guilty of in order to feel better about themselves.
Contents