What does the Bible say about afflicting our souls?

In Leviticus 16, God's command to the people of Israel to afflict their souls on the Day of Atonement underscores their need for repentance and acknowledgment of sin. This act is significant because it reflects a heart that understands its own depravity and is in need of God's mercy. It is juxtaposed against the reality that the high priest has made atonement for their sins, indicating that even in the context of salvation, God's people are called to a posture of humility and affliction regarding their sin. The Lord Jesus Christ echoes this principle in Matthew 5, where He blesses those who mourn and are poor in spirit, demonstrating that afflicting one's soul is foundational for receiving God's grace and comfort.