The grief that comes from God over sin in our life, works in our heart to lead us away from sin. We ask God for forgiveness of our sins. We become determined and committed to change our life and live for Jesus. We hate sin, no longer loving the sinful pleasures of the world. Jesus becomes first in our life. Godly sorrow is not something to ever regret, for it leads us to salvation. Our life is changed. We have repented.

Worldly sorrow also brings grief. A person is sorry for the sin and the lifestyle they are living, and decides to change their life. After a little while, they change their mind and regret that they decided to change. Worldly sorrow results in death. There is no change in one’s life. There is no repentance.

"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 KJV

"For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death." - 2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world." - 1 John 2:15-16 KJV

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward." - Hebrews 11:24-26 KJV