Chapter
Verse

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.
NIV Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
NASB By mercy and truth atonement is made for wrongdoing, And by the fear of the Lord one keeps away from evil.
CSB Iniquity is atoned for by loyalty and faithfulness, and one turns from evil by the fear of the Lord.
NLT Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.
KJV By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
NKJV In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil.

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).
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