Proverbs 16:6 kjv

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

Proverbs 16:6 nkjv

In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil.

Proverbs 16:6 niv

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

Proverbs 16:6 esv

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

Proverbs 16:6 nlt

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

Proverbs 16 verses

Proverbs 16 6 Meaning

Proverbs 16:6 reveals two profound pathways through which human moral failures and rebellion against God are addressed. Firstly, it states that "by mercy and truth iniquity is purged." This implies that God's faithful love (hesed) and His unwavering trustworthiness (emet) are the divine foundation or means by which sin (iniquity) is atoned for or forgiven. It's not human acts of mercy and truth that independently "purge" sin, but rather God, acting out of His intrinsic nature of hesed and emet, provides the means of atonement. Secondly, the verse asserts that "by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." This highlights the practical outcome of true reverence and awe for God: it instills a moral compass that actively guides individuals away from wicked thoughts and actions, promoting a life of ethical righteousness. The verse thus links divine grace in dealing with sin to human piety in living righteously.

Proverbs 16 6 Context

Proverbs chapter 16 often contrasts human intentions with divine sovereignty, emphasizing God's ultimate control and the blessedness of righteous living. The verses leading up to Proverbs 16:6 speak of planning (v. 1, 3, 9), human pride (v. 5), and the need for ethical conduct in God's eyes (v. 2). Verse 6 fits within this larger theme by addressing how human sin is handled in a world governed by God's character. It highlights a key theological truth: dealing with sin is tied to God's inherent qualities (hesed and emet) and is responded to by human piety (yir'at YHWH). Historically, the context is Israel, under the Mosaic Covenant, where sin required specific atonement rituals, but also where living by covenant faithfulness and the fear of the Lord were paramount. The verse implicitly asserts that mere ritual without heart transformation is insufficient, advocating for a deeper moral transformation rooted in a relationship with God.

Proverbs 16 6 Word analysis

• By: Hebrew letter 'bet' (בְּ). Signifies 'in', 'with', 'by means of', 'through'. Indicates the instrument or means by which the purging occurs.
• Mercy: Hebrew ḥesed (חֶסֶד). Often translated as 'loving-kindness', 'steadfast love', 'covenant loyalty', 'unfailing grace'. It speaks of a devoted, enduring love that goes beyond obligation, often associated with covenant faithfulness. In the context of God, it signifies His steadfast faithfulness and loyal love towards His people, despite their unworthiness.
• And: Hebrew waw (וְ). A conjunctive particle.
• Truth: Hebrew ʾemet (אֱמֶת). Implies 'firmness', 'faithfulness', 'reliability', 'fidelity', 'steadfastness'. It represents what is solid, reliable, and consistent with reality and character. For God, it means He is utterly dependable, always true to His word and character.
• Iniquity: Hebrew ʿāwôn (עָוֹן). Means 'perversity', 'guilt', 'punishment for guilt', 'sin'. It describes deviation from what is right, a moral twisting or bending. It emphasizes the inherent wrongness and often the accompanying burden of guilt.
• Is purged: Hebrew yəḵuppar (יְכֻפַּר) from the verb kāphar (כָּפַר). Means 'to cover', 'to atone for', 'to make expiation', 'to forgive', 'to cleanse'. It is a key term in Old Testament atonement theology, pointing to the covering or removal of sin. Here, it indicates divine action where sin is rendered ineffectual or removed in God's sight. The passive voice suggests that iniquity is the recipient of the purging action.

Words-Group analysis:

• By mercy and truth: This phrase indicates the divine character as the basis for the atonement of sin. It's not through human acts of mercy and truth as a meritorious deed to earn forgiveness, but through God's own attributes of steadfast love and faithfulness that He provides a way for sin to be dealt with. This highlights God's initiative and nature as the foundation of grace.
• Iniquity is purged: This refers to the act of expiation or forgiveness. The purging of sin means its penalty is averted and its power is broken in the life of the one reconciled with God. The passive voice highlights God as the active agent who purges or forgives.
• By the fear of the LORD: Hebrew yirʾat YHWH (יִרְאַת יְהוָה). This denotes a profound reverence, awe, and humble respect for God, which leads to obedience. It's not a terrified fear, but a loving and reverent acknowledgment of His majesty and holiness. This is a foundational concept in Wisdom literature.
• Men depart from evil: Hebrew sūr mērāʿ (סוּר מֵרָע). This signifies a deliberate turning away or moving oneself away from what is wicked or morally wrong. It implies an active and continuous choice, driven by a godly perspective, to avoid sinful practices and temptations. This is the practical manifestation and outcome of having the fear of the LORD.

Proverbs 16 6 Bonus section

The verse powerfully anticipates the New Testament revelation concerning the ultimate purging of sin through Jesus Christ. Christ is the full embodiment of God's "mercy and truth" (Jn 1:17, 14:6). His atoning sacrifice on the cross (Heb 9:22, Rom 3:24-25) is the preeminent manifestation of God's hesed and emet providing the complete "purging" (expiation/propitiation) for iniquity, far beyond ritual sacrifices. Furthermore, the New Covenant promises the Holy Spirit who indwells believers, empowering them to truly "depart from evil" not merely through willpower, but through divine enablement, deepening their "fear of the Lord" which now stems from adoption as sons and daughters (Rom 8:15). Thus, Proverbs 16:6 functions as a theological bridge, laying the foundational Old Testament truths upon which the fullness of salvation in Christ is revealed.

Proverbs 16 6 Commentary

Proverbs 16:6 serves as a powerful synopsis of God's interaction with human sin and His expectation for human conduct. The initial declaration, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged," establishes divine grace as the ultimate remedy for sin. God's hesed and emet – His unfailing love and absolute trustworthiness – are not merely abstract qualities but the very means and assurance through which atonement and forgiveness are made available. This points toward a God who initiates and provides the solution for human brokenness. This statement does not imply that human mercy or truth earns salvation, but rather reflects the divine standard by which all sin is addressed – God's own perfect attributes.

Following this divine provision, the verse continues, "and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil." This highlights the necessary human response. True reverence for the Almighty naturally cultivates a profound respect for His will and character, compelling an individual to actively shun wickedness. This fear is not terror but a holy awe that recognizes God's holiness and power, inspiring a commitment to righteous living. The verse suggests a reciprocal relationship: God provides the means of atonement rooted in His character, and the human response of fearing Him leads to a lifestyle that actively turns away from sin, embodying the fruits of that reconciliation. Practical examples include a person choosing not to cheat in business because of their reverence for God's integrity, or forgiving a wrong because God first extended mercy to them. This dual emphasis speaks to both divine enablement and human responsibility in the pursuit of a righteous life.