What does the Bible say about godly sorrow?

According to the Scriptures, godly sorrow is a grieving for the loss of fellowship with God due to sin. In 2 Samuel 19, Mephibosheth mourns over the absence of King David, representing our own loss when sin drives a wedge between us and our Creator. This type of sorrow leads us to recognize our need for grace and mercy, as seen in Psalm 51, where David acknowledges his transgressions and seeks restoration through God's lovingkindness. Godly sorrow differs from mere regret; it is a spiritual realization of our brokenness and a longing to return to fellowship with God, as illustrated by Mephibosheth's desire to be at the king's table.