Proverbs 16:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

By mercy {H2617} and truth {H571} iniquity {H5771} is purged {H3722}: and by the fear {H3374} of the LORD {H3068} men depart {H5493} from evil {H7451}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Grace and truth atone for iniquity, and people turn from evil through fear of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one turns aside from evil.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 16:6 articulates a profound principle of divine governance and human responsibility, revealing that the purging of iniquity is fundamentally rooted in God's steadfast mercy and unwavering truth. Concurrently, it asserts that a reverential awe and humble submission to the LORD are the essential catalysts for individuals to actively turn away from evil and embrace a life of righteousness. This verse seamlessly integrates divine character with human moral action, presenting a holistic view of redemption and ethical living.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 16:6 is situated within a larger section of Proverbs (chapters 10-29) that comprises various collections of Solomon's proverbs, often presented as antithetical or synonymous couplets. Chapter 16 specifically emphasizes God's sovereignty over human plans and intentions, the value of wisdom, and the moral contrast between righteousness and wickedness. Verses immediately preceding this one speak of the LORD's control over human decisions and the importance of integrity (e.g., [Proverbs 16:1-3](/proverbs/16-1 "Proverbs 16:1-3 - God's Sovereignty Over Plans")). Following this verse, the chapter continues to explore themes of divine justice, the blessing of righteousness, and the dangers of pride and perversity (e.g., [Proverbs 16:7-9](/proverbs/16-7 "Proverbs 16:7-9 - Righteousness and Divine Favor")). Thus, Proverbs 16:6 functions as a pivotal statement, linking God's character as the source of cleansing with human ethical response, thereby grounding moral living in divine attributes.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, a pedagogical approach to life that sought to impart practical and moral instruction based on observation, experience, and divine revelation. In this cultural setting, wisdom was not merely intellectual acumen but a holistic way of life, deeply intertwined with one's relationship with God. Concepts like "mercy" (חֶסֶד, *ḥesed*) and "truth" (אֱמֶת, *ʼemeth*) were central to Israel's understanding of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly as revealed in the Mosaic Law and the historical interactions between God and His people (e.g., [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - The LORD's Character Revealed")). The "fear of the LORD" was not a cowering dread but a profound reverence, respect, and submission to God's authority, recognized as the "beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")). This cultural emphasis on divine-human relationship as the foundation for moral conduct is clearly evident in this proverb.

* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 16:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Proverbs and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Attributes**, specifically God's *ḥesed* (steadfast love, covenant loyalty) and *ʼemeth* (faithfulness, truthfulness), presenting them as the very means by which sin is addressed. This underscores that salvation and cleansing originate from God's character, not human merit. Secondly, it addresses the theme of **Atonement and Cleansing**, using the term "purged," which carries strong connotations of expiation and reconciliation, often associated with the sacrificial system in the Old Testament. While not explicitly mentioning sacrifice, it points to the ultimate divine provision for sin. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Reverential Awe and Obedience**, positing the "fear of the LORD" as the primary motivation for ethical living and moral purity. This theme is foundational to the entire wisdom tradition, asserting that true wisdom leads to a life of obedience and a turning away from evil, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "Proverbs 8:13 - The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil")). Finally, it speaks to **Moral Transformation**, demonstrating that a right relationship with God naturally results in a departure from wicked ways, illustrating the practical outcome of genuine faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This term refers to kindness, steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing goodness. In the context of Proverbs 16:6, it speaks to God's benevolent and faithful disposition towards humanity, which provides the basis for the purging of iniquity. It is not merely a human virtue but a fundamental, active attribute of God's character, particularly in His dealings with His covenant people.
* **purged (Hebrew, _kâphar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to cover," "to expiate," "to atone," or "to make propitiation." In this verse, it signifies the act of cleansing or removing iniquity. The passive voice ("is purged") suggests that this action is divinely initiated and accomplished. It implies a covering or removal of sin that allows for reconciliation and forgiveness, pointing to a divine process of dealing with human transgression.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yirʼâh'_):** This word denotes fear, reverence, and awe. In the context of the "fear of the LORD," it describes a profound respect and humble submission to God's majesty, authority, and holiness. It is a motivating force that leads to moral discernment and a desire to live in accordance with His will, rather than a cowering dread.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By mercy and truth iniquity is purged":** This clause establishes the divine means by which sin (iniquity) is dealt with. It is not through human effort or merit, but through God's inherent attributes of *chêçêd* (steadfast love, covenant faithfulness) and *ʼemeth* (truthfulness, reliability). These divine characteristics provide the foundation and the method for the expiation or removal of human transgression. The passive "is purged" emphasizes that this cleansing is an action performed by God.
* **"and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil":** This second clause presents the human response and consequence. When individuals possess a genuine, reverential awe and submission to the LORD, it serves as the primary impetus for them to actively turn away from wicked thoughts, actions, and paths. This departure from evil is a practical, moral outcome of a right relationship with God, demonstrating that true piety leads to ethical living.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 16:6 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reinforces and expands upon the idea presented in the first, though with a shift in focus from divine action to human response. The first half, "By mercy and truth iniquity is purged," highlights God's character as the source of cleansing. The second half, "and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil," emphasizes the human, practical outcome of a reverential relationship with God. While distinct, both clauses speak to the eradication of sin and evil. The verse also implicitly uses **Cause and Effect**, where God's mercy and truth are the cause for iniquity being purged, and the fear of the LORD is the cause for departing from evil. This structure underscores the interconnectedness of divine grace and human responsibility in the pursuit of righteousness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 16:6 offers a profound theological statement, asserting that the ultimate solution to humanity's sin problem lies in the very character of God—His steadfast mercy (*ḥesed*) and unwavering truth (*ʼemeth*). These attributes are not merely passive qualities but active forces through which iniquity is "purged" or atoned for. This points to a divine initiative in redemption, where God Himself provides the means for cleansing. Furthermore, the verse highlights the indispensable role of the "fear of the LORD" as the catalyst for ethical transformation. This reverential awe, born of a genuine understanding of God's majesty and holiness, motivates individuals to actively turn away from evil. Thus, the proverb beautifully intertwines divine grace (mercy and truth as the basis for purging) with human responsibility (fear of the LORD leading to moral departure from evil), demonstrating that true righteousness is both a gift from God and a lived response to Him.

* [Psalms 85:10](/psalms/85-10 "Mercy and Truth Meet")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "What the LORD Requires")
* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 16:6 provides a timeless blueprint for understanding how sin is dealt with and how righteousness is cultivated in our lives. Firstly, it offers immense comfort and assurance: the purging of our iniquity is not dependent on our perfect performance but on God's unchanging character of mercy and truth. This truth liberates us from the burden of self-justification and directs our gaze to the divine provision for sin. Secondly, it calls us to cultivate a deep, reverential "fear of the LORD." This is not a cowering fear, but an awe-filled respect that recognizes God's holiness, sovereignty, and goodness. When we genuinely fear the LORD, our hearts are inclined to please Him, leading to a conscious and active turning away from anything that displeases Him. This transforms our moral choices from mere external compliance to an internal desire to walk in integrity and purity. The verse challenges us to examine the depth of our reverence for God and its practical impact on our daily decisions, reminding us that true spiritual health manifests in a life that actively departs from evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's mercy and truth as the basis for purging iniquity impact your view of forgiveness and grace?**
* **In what ways does your "fear of the LORD" manifest in your daily decisions and moral choices?**
* **What specific "evil" might the Lord be calling you to depart from, and how can a deeper reverence for Him empower that departure?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of awe and respect for God in your personal devotion and daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "iniquity is purged" mean in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "iniquity is purged" (from the Hebrew word _kâphar_) means that sin or moral wrongdoing is covered, atoned for, or cleansed. It signifies a divine act of expiation where the guilt and defilement of sin are removed. The verse attributes this purging to God's mercy and truth, implying that it is through His character and provision that sin is dealt with, making reconciliation possible. This concept is foundational to understanding God's redemptive work, which ultimately finds its fulfillment in Christ.

**Is "fear of the LORD" about being afraid of God?**

Answer: No, the "fear of the LORD" (Hebrew _yirʼâh_) in biblical wisdom literature, particularly in Proverbs, is not primarily about being terrified of God in a cowering sense. Instead, it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and humble submission to God's majesty, authority, and holiness. It is a deep respect that acknowledges His supreme power and goodness, leading to a desire to honor Him and obey His commands. This reverential fear is presented as the "beginning of wisdom" ([Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom")) and the motivation for turning away from evil, as stated in [Proverbs 8:13](/proverbs/8-13 "The Fear of the LORD is to Hate Evil")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 16:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mercy and truth" by which iniquity is purged are perfectly embodied in Him. Jesus is the very incarnation of God's steadfast love and faithfulness ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through His sacrificial death on the cross, He provided the complete and final "purging" or atonement for our iniquity. The author of Hebrews declares that Christ "provided purification for sins" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrebs/1-3 "Christ's Supremacy")). Furthermore, the "fear of the LORD" that leads to departing from evil is perfectly modeled by Christ, who always did the will of His Father ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "Jesus Does the Father's Will")). As believers, our departure from evil is not merely a moral effort but a spiritual transformation empowered by our union with Christ, who enables us to walk in newness of life ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Newness of Life in Christ")). Thus, Proverbs 16:6 beautifully foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, where divine attributes meet human need, leading to both forgiveness and transformed living.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 14:16

¶ A wise [man] feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

Job 28:28

And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that [is] wisdom; and to depart from evil [is] understanding.

2 Corinthians 7:1

¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Daniel 4:27

Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.

Proverbs 14:27

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 8:13

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Luke 11:41

But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.