By loving devotion and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for
This 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 in Proverbs 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.

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.Loving Devotion and Faithfulness
The 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 Iniquity
Iniquity 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 LORD
The "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 Evil
True 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.(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 ...


By loving devotion
בְּחֶ֣סֶד (bə·ḥe·seḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

and truth,
וֶ֭אֱמֶת (we·’ĕ·meṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

wickedness
עָוֺ֑ן (‘ā·wōn)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity

is atoned for,
יְכֻפַּ֣ר (yə·ḵup·par)
Verb - Pual - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel

and by the fear
וּבְיִרְאַ֥ת (ū·ḇə·yir·’aṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the LORD
יְ֝הוָ֗ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

[a man] turns aside
ס֣וּר (sūr)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5493: To turn aside

from 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)