The simplest takeaway from verses 8 and 9 is that accidents happen and I may be the cause of the accident. When unintentional disasters and misfortunes happen I need to admit and accept my part in the cause. When I fall into a pit I dug, then admit and accept that I was the cause (8.). When I am bitten by a snake behind a wall that I brought through, then admit and accept that I was the cause (8). When stones fall on me that I broke free from a quarry wall, then admit and accept that I was the cause (9). When a splinter from a log I am splitting gets into my mouth or eye, then admit and accept that I was the cause (9).
Applying the principle of “self-causes result from self-effects” should be applied to all life decisions. The road to recovery, healing, and forgiveness of sins starts with admitting my guilt.
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) “When anyone is guilty in any of these ways, he must confess in what way he has sinned.” (Leviticus 5:5) “Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds.” (Acts 19:18) “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
