By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned forThis phrase emphasizes the importance of steadfast love and faithfulness in the process of atonement. In the Old Testament, atonement often involved sacrifices and rituals, as seen in Leviticus. However, this verse highlights the internal qualities of love and faithfulness as crucial for reconciliation with God. The Hebrew words for "loving devotion" (chesed) and "faithfulness" (emet) are frequently used to describe God's character, suggesting that humans are called to emulate these divine attributes. This aligns with
Micah 6:8, which calls for justice, mercy, and humility. The concept of atonement here foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice embodies perfect love and faithfulness.
and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil
The "fear of the LORD" is a recurring theme in Proverbs, representing a deep respect and reverence for God. This fear is not about terror but about acknowledging God's holiness and authority, leading to wisdom and moral living. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where idolatry and moral corruption were prevalent, this fear served as a guiding principle for ethical behavior. The phrase suggests that a proper understanding of God's nature and commands naturally leads one to reject evil. This is echoed inProverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. The turning aside from evil is a transformative process, akin to repentance, which is central to the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Solomon- Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He compiled these sayings to impart wisdom and understanding.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)- The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. The fear of the LORD is a central theme in Proverbs.
3.
Israel- The original audience of the Proverbs, the nation of Israel was chosen by God to be His people and to live according to His laws and wisdom.
Teaching Points
Loving Devotion and FaithfulnessThe Hebrew words for "loving devotion" (chesed) and "faithfulness" (emet) emphasize a covenantal loyalty and truthfulness. In our lives, we are called to reflect God's steadfast love and faithfulness in our relationships and commitments.
Atonement of IniquityIniquity is atoned for not by human effort alone but through a heart aligned with God's character. This points to the ultimate atonement through Christ, who embodies perfect loving devotion and faithfulness.
Fear of the LORDThe "fear of the LORD" (yirah) is a reverential awe and respect for God. It is foundational for wisdom and leads to a life that turns away from evil. Cultivating this fear involves regular prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience to God's commands.
Turning from EvilTrue repentance involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and towards God. This is an ongoing process that requires the Holy Spirit's guidance and strength.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Proverbs 16:6?
2.How does Proverbs 16:6 emphasize the role of love and faithfulness in atonement?
3.What does "fear of the LORD" mean in the context of Proverbs 16:6?
4.How can we practice love and faithfulness to turn from evil today?
5.Connect Proverbs 16:6 with another verse about fearing the LORD.
6.How can Proverbs 16:6 guide our daily interactions with others?
7.How does Proverbs 16:6 define the role of love and faithfulness in atonement for sin?
8.What does Proverbs 16:6 suggest about the relationship between fear of the LORD and avoiding evil?
9.How does Proverbs 16:6 align with the broader biblical theme of redemption and forgiveness?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16?
11.What does 'not be overrighteous or overwise' mean?
12.Proverbs 11:21 asserts the wicked will not go unpunished—what evidence shows consistent justice in history, given many evil rulers died peacefully?
13.Proverbs 3:9 commands honoring God with wealth--why do many faithful givers remain poor while the corrupt often thrive?
14.Proverbs 15:8: Why does a just and loving God reject certain sacrifices yet accept others if He's truly impartial?What Does Proverbs 16:6 Mean
Loving devotion and faithfulness– The verse opens with two relational qualities God prizes: “loving devotion” (steadfast love) and “faithfulness.”Exodus 34:6-7 shows the Lord Himself embodying these traits, “abounding in loving devotion and truth.”
– They are not momentary feelings but covenantal commitments lived out daily (Psalm 25:10).
–Micah 6:8 links them to what the Lord “requires of you… to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God,” underscoring that true piety is expressed in consistent, loyal care for God and neighbor (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Iniquity is atoned for– Proverbs states, “By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for.” Good works never purchase forgiveness, yet genuine mercy and fidelity reveal a repentant heart ready to receive God’s provision for sin (Leviticus 17:11).
– The ultimate fulfillment is in Christ, “whom God presented as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood” (Romans 3:25). When His people mirror His steadfast love, they demonstrate that His atonement has reached their lives (1 John 1:7;Isaiah 53:5-6).
– In daily practice, relationships marked by mercy and reliability become channels where the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice is experienced and displayed.
By the fear of the LORD– The second half shifts from atonement to ongoing conduct: “by the fear of the LORD.”Proverbs 1:7 says this fear is “the beginning of knowledge,” a reverent awareness that God is holy, sovereign, and near (Proverbs 8:13; 14:27).
– Such fear is not terror that drives away but awe that draws close, compelling obedience (2 Corinthians 7:1). It keeps the conscience sensitive, guarding against calloused attitudes toward sin.
One turns aside from evil– The natural result of reverent fear is practical holiness.Job 28:28 echoes, “Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.”
– Turning aside is continuous: renouncing sinful paths (Psalm 34:14), resisting the devil (James 4:7-8), pursuing peace and righteousness (1 Peter 3:11).
– The proverb pairs inner reverence with outward action; conversion of heart produces conversion of behavior.
summaryProverbs 16:6 teaches that steadfast love and faithfulness demonstrate a heart appropriating God’s atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, while reverent fear of the Lord motivates believers to forsake evil. Together they portray a life transformed—cleansed by God’s grace and guided into righteous living.
(6)
Mercy and truth.--See above on
Proverbs 3:3. Mercy and truth cannot, of course, in themselves "purge iniquity," only so far as they are signs of the "faith which worketh by love" (
Galatians 5:6), which accepts the salvation offered by God (
Romans 1:16-17). (Comp. the statement with regard to charity,
1Peter 4:8.)
By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.--Or, rather,escape misfortune.(Comp. Psalms 37 throughout.)
Verse 6. -
By mercy and truth iniquity is purged;atoned for. The combination "mercy and truth" occurs in
Proverbs 3:3 (where see note), and intimates love to God and man, and faithfulness in keeping promises and truth and justice in all dealings. It is by the exercise of those graces, not by mere external rites, that God is propitiated (see on Proverbs 10:2). A kind of expiatory value is assigned to these virtues, which, indeed, must not be pressed too closely, but should be examined by the light of such passages in the New Testament as
Luke 11:41;
Acts 10:4. Of course, such graces show themselves only in one who is really devout and God fearing; they are the fruits of a heart at peace with God and man, and react on the character and conduct. The LXX., which places this distich after ver. 27 of ch. 15, translates, "By alms and faithfulness (
πίστεσιν) sins are cleansed," confining the term "mercy" to one special form, as in one reading of
Matthew 6. l, "Take heed that ye do not your righteousness [
al. alms] before men."
By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. The practice of true religion, of course, involves abstinence from sin; and this seems so unnecessary a truth to be formally stated that some take the "evil" named to be physical, not moral evil; calamity, not transgression. But the two clauses are coordinate, and present two aspects of the same truth. The first intimates how sin is to be expiated, the second how it is to be avoided. The morally good man meets with pardon and acceptance, and he who fears God is delivered from evil. So we pray, in the Lord's Prayer, "Forgive us our trespasses, and deliver us from evil." Septuagint, "By the fear of the Lord every one declineth from evil" (comp.
Proverbs 14:27).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
By loving devotionבְּחֶ֣סֶד(bə·ḥe·seḏ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617:Kindness, piety, reproof, beautyand truth,וֶ֭אֱמֶת(we·’ĕ·meṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571:Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthinesswickednessעָוֺ֑ן(‘ā·wōn)Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771:Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquityis atoned for,יְכֻפַּ֣ר(yə·ḵup·par)Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3722:To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, canceland by the fearוּבְיִרְאַ֥ת(ū·ḇə·yir·’aṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceof the LORDיְ֝הוָ֗ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel[a man] turns asideס֣וּר(sūr)Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5493:To turn asidefrom evil.מֵרָֽע׃(mê·rā‘)Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evil
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OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned (Prov. Pro Pr) 
