There are two kinds of sorrows: Repentance which is a product of godly sorrow leads to salvation and repentance based on worldly sorrow leads to death. (II Corinthians 7:10) In the Bible, there are examples of both.
Pharaoh – an obstinate rebel: Pharaoh when he saw the plagues, repented stating he is a sinner. But when the plague was over, he went back to his old rebellious habit. (Exodus 9:27) His elder son died; he led his army of six hundred chariots to drown in the Red Sea.
Balaam – a double-minded seer: Balaam understood the true God, and his decision to bless Israel, yet he worked against Israel by giving wicked advice to the King of Moab. (Numbers 22:34)
Achan –doubtful repentance: Achan confessed that he had stolen what belonged to God from the city of Jericho. He was punished and stoned to death as his sorrow was not godly sorrow. (Joshua 7:20)
Saul –insincere repentance: Though he began as a humble person. As a king, pride led to his downfall. He even took the task of priest/prophet upon himself. He repented and confessed to Samuel, but it was just a pretense. (I Samuel 15:24)
Judas – repentance of despair: He repented his blunder of betraying Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly, he went to the priests, who inspired, instigated, and induced him into this sordid act. (Matthew 27:4) His repentance was a pretense as his sorrow was that his Master Plan of gaining money but Lord Jesus escaping did not materialize.
Job – a godly repentance: He was certified as righteous. As a human he understood his Fallen Nature and spoke that was beyond his comprehension. (Job 42:5-6)
David – delayed repentance: David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and to hide it, he murdered his loyal lieutenant Uriah. When confronted by Prophet Nathan, he repented and confessed seeking forgiveness. (II Samuel 12:13)
The Prodigal – right confession: In the Parable of Prodigal Son, the younger son who chose waywardness and worldliness repents and returns home. He resolved to confess to God and his father. (Luke 15:18)
Do I have godly sorrow and repentance as my spiritual habit?