The key scripture about godly sorrow leading to repentance is found in 2 Corinthians 7:10, where the apostle Paul writes, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."  In this verse, Paul is contrasting two types of sorrow - godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow is defined as a deep remorse over our sinfulness and a desire to turn from it. Worldly sorrow, on the other hand, is simply feeling sorry for ourselves because we got caught or because we're facing consequences. It doesn't lead to true repentance.