Hidden Faults and Willful Sins: A Discussion of Psalm 19:12-13

By Lauren Rose Correa, April 25, 2025

David wrote most of the Psalms, and as I came across Psalm 19 in my reading, it caught my attention. In this Psalm, David talks about his hidden faults versus his willful sins. He asks God to forgive him for any hidden faults he can’t see in himself. Has it occurred to you to ask God for forgiveness for your hidden faults? These are faults that you have that you may be unaware of. He follows this up by asking Gods help to stay away from willful sins – sins that he is aware are wrong but he still chooses them anyway.

“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.” – Psalms 19:12-13 NIV

Read all of Psalm 19

Willful Sins: The Sins You Are Aware Of

You probably know what your willful sin struggles are. These are things you are tempted by that you find it hard to say no to. You know it’s wrong, but something in you derives happiness or pleasure from that sin.

Like David, you may go to God in prayer over these things. You may ask for his help throughout the day as you encounter temptation. You may also confess these struggles to others and ask for accountability to help you overcome the sin.

Hidden Faults: The Sins You Are Not Aware Of

In all of us, there are sins we commit that we may not be aware of. These are things we do that we think are okay, but they are actually sinful in God’s eyes. While you are not aware of these flaws, your friends and family may be well aware of them.

David sets an example by asking God to forgive him for his hidden sins. He realizes that because of his sin nature, he might be committing sins against God unaware. So he asks God for forgiveness for them. In addition to forgiveness, I believe we should take this one step further: ask God to expose your hidden faults and convict you of them so you can change.

The Holy Spirit Brings Conviction

As we work out our salvation before the Lord, we have the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit is God himself at work in us to help us live godly lives. If this spirit is at work in our lives, we should be regularly receiving revelation about sins we could be submitting to God. Besides the Holy Spirit, another way to become aware of hidden sin is to allow your friends and family to speak into your life. They may notice things you don’t, and can help you identify areas to work on.

When hidden and unintentional sins get exposed and we continue to choose them anyway, they will become willful sins. Once you realize something you are doing is wrong, you need to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to stop committing that sin. It may take a bit of time to overcome, and that’s okay. But you can’t keep doing something you now know is wrong. This would grieve the spirit and affect your relationship with God.

Hidden Faults and Willful Sins: How About You?

Have you asked God to expose your hidden faults? Who is a close friend, family member, or leader that can help you see your faults and remain accountable?