Charles Ellicott Commentary Proverbs 16:6

"By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for; And by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil." — Proverbs 16:6 (ASV)

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). (Compare the statement with regard to charity, 1 Peter 4:8.)

By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.—Or, rather, escape misfortune. (Compare Psalm 37 throughout.)