What does Proverbs 16:6 mean?

In the prior proverb, Solomon wrote about the inevitability of punishment for those too arrogant to acknowledge God (Proverbs 16:5). The best way to avoid evil consequences is to avoid evil actions, by following God's truth (Proverbs 1:7; 15:24). The ultimate means of atonement—of "making up for" sin—comes through God Himself, in His steadfast love and faithfulness.

No human sin goes unpunished. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death." That includes separation from God in this life and in the next. Thankfully, thanks to His mercy, God has provided a way to escape this punishment. Romans 6:23 continues, "but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." God loved the world of sinners so much that He gave His only Son Jesus as the sacrifice for our sin. He faithfully keeps His promise to grant forgiveness and eternal life to all who turn away from evil and turn to Jesus in repentance and faith. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life" (John 5:24).