Proverbs 16:6

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

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 God made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included - but for judgment.

5 God can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.

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

7 When God approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.

8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.