Proverbs 16:6

6. By mercy and truth (compare Proverbs 3:3; Proverbs 20:28) iniquity is purged Literally, covered. The expression has reference to those legal expiations and atonements of the old law by which sin was so far covered, as that every transgressor was, by virtue of his offering, saved from exclusion from the Jewish fold; and, when the obedience which induced the offering was accompanied by faith in that which the offering typified, a real atonement was effected for the wrong doer. This “mercy and truth” clearly refer to the man’s conduct, not towards God, but towards his fellow men. No future good conduct, as a mere morality, can secure forgiveness for past transgression. But “mercy and truth,” exercised by the repentant and pardoned man, constitute those good works which are not merely “evidence” of regeneration, but are truly pleasing to God, and contribute to banish with God and man the remembrance of a past wicked life. So, Ezekiel 33:14-15, if the wicked turn and prosecute a course of righteousness, “none of his sins which be hath committed shall be mentioned unto him.” Comp. Isaiah 57:7, et seq.; 1 Samuel 15:22; Micah 6:6-8; Psalms 50:13-14; Psalms 51:16-17. Some evangelical expositors, in their zeal to oppose erroneous Romish teaching, have unintentionally wrested this passage from its legitimate use, and attempted to apply it to the “mercy and truth” of God revealed in the death of our Lord Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for sin. But the wise teacher was not speaking of the mercy and truth of God’s dealings with men: he was treating of the dealings of men with men. “Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have (I require) mercy, and not sacrifice:” that is, in preference to sacrifice. Matthew 9:13. “To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3. And by the fear of the Lord men depart (or, there is turning) from evil Comp. Proverbs 8:13. The fear of Jehovah is the most effectual way to turn from, avoid, or escape, evil moral evil and its consequences, that is, punishment.