Proverbs 16:6

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.

Proverbs 16:6 in Other Translations

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.

6 Guilt is banished through love and truth; Fear-of-God deflects evil.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil.

6 By mercy and faithfulness, peace is made with the LORD. By the fear of the LORD, evil is avoided.

6 Wickedness is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.

6 Through love and truth sin is paid for. People avoid evil when they have respect for the Lord.

Proverbs 16:6 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:6

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged
Or "expiated" ^F4, and atoned for: not by the mercy and truth of men; not by alms deeds or showing mercy to the poor; nor by speaking truth and keeping promises, and doing justice between man and man; for, though these are duties to be performed, they will not atone for sin; and may be done by persons destitute of the grace of God, and whose iniquities are not purged or pardoned: but by the mercy and truth of God; through his "mercy", in sending Christ to be the propitiation for sin; and through his "truth", in fulfilling his promises concerning Christ; and particularly concerning pardon on the foot of his sacrifice and satisfaction, where mercy and truth have met together: or through the grace and truth come by Jesus Christ; or through his atoning sacrifice, by which he has finished transgression, made an end of sin, and made reconciliation for iniquity; in which there is a rich display of his own and of his father's grace and mercy, truth and faithfulness; and by the fear of the Lord [men] depart from evil;
having that put into their hearts, and excited and influenced by the grace and goodness of God, men are engaged to abstain from evil, and the appearance of it; it teaches them to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly and godly in this world.

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FOOTNOTES:

F4 (rpky) "expiabitur", Montanus, Vatablus; "expiatur", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.

Proverbs 16:6 In-Context

4 The LORD works out everything to its proper end— even the wicked for a day of disaster.

5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.

7 When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.

8 Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.

Cross References

• 1. S Genesis 20:11; S Exodus 1:17
• 2. S Exodus 20:20; Proverbs 14:16