Bridges on Proverbs 16:6
 
 
Charles Bridges on Proverbs 16:6
 
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6. By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.
 
The true exposition of this verse requires much care and consideration. We protest against that false principle of theology, which substitutes the grand doctrines of the gospel in the place of its practical statements. The purging of iniquity seems here however to direct us to expiation.† Therefore to connect it with man's mercy and truth is to overturn the foundation of the gospel. These are duties to be performed (Chapter 3:3); not atonement for sin: and often are they performed by men destitute of the grace of God, whose iniquity therefore is not purged. They may indeed in the dispensation of God be available for averting national judgements. (Daniel 4:27.) But there is a wide difference between this “lengthening tranquillity,” and purging iniquity. On the other hand — considering that Divine mercy and truth are frequently exhibited in connection with this invaluable blessing;† the analogy of faith appears to link it here with these combined perfections, ‘which kiss in Christ the Mediator (Psalm 85:10), and with that covenant of grace, in which they shine so brightly.’† Should this view be thought not to cohere with the general tenor of this book, which ‘deals more with practical points and matters of common life, than with the deeper articles of faith;’† it may be observed, that, when some of its pages are so fully illuminated by evangelical sunshine (Chapter 8:9), we might naturally expect — besides this connected splendor — occasional rays of doctrinal light to rest upon this system of Christian morals.
Taking, therefore, in accordance with most of our best critics and soundest expositors,† this ground of interpretation — we observe the great controversy between God and man. Man would purge iniquity by repentance or external ceremonials. God determines it by sacrifice; not nullifying the sanctions of the law by a simple deed of mercy; but combining the manifestation of his truth, by fulfilling these sanctions upon the Surety, which mercy provided. (Isaiah 53:6. 2 Corinthians 5:21.) No display of mercy can be conceived in force and emphasis to compare with that awful moment when “God spared not his own Son” (Romans 8:32), but permitted blameless love and purity to agonize upon the cross. Yet was this wondrous display of mercy a display of truth not less wondrous; inasmuch as it was the means, by which inflexible justice could justify the guilty. (Romans 3:26.) So gloriously do these two attributes harmonize! We enquire not, to which we owe the deepest obligation. Mercy engages, truth fulfils — the engagements. Mercy provides, truth accepts — the ransom. Both sat together in the Eternal council. Both made their public entrance together into the world. Both, like the two pillars of the temple (1 Kings 7:21), combine to support the Christian's confidence; that, though there is abundant material for condemnation even in the holiest saint; actual condemnation there is not — there cannot be. (Romans 7:14-25; 8:1.)
But if in the first clause of the verse we see how the guilt of iniquity is purged, the second clause shews, how its power is broken. The very exercise of forgiveness is to implant a conservative principle.† By the fear of the LORD, men depart from evil.† The supposition of pardon for a sinner continuing impenitent, would be to unite the two contraries of reconciliation and enmity. Iniquity is not purged, that we should wallow again in the mire.† The beam of light, which scatters every record of condemnation, is convincing, sanctifying, healing to the soul. Indeed God shews the deepest abhorrence of sin in the very act of its expiation. Yet the implanted principle of obedience is no legal bondage. The fear of the LORD is at once a bridle to sin, and a spur to holiness. It changes the slave into a child. Filial confidence — its twin-grace — like a seven-fold shield — covers from sin. Sin's very touch is hateful; and all its ways are abhorred and forsaken.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
It is the ordinary sacrificial term. Exodus 30:10. Leviticus 4:20; 5:6. 16:6. Daniel 9:24. Also Psalm 65:3.
 
 
Exodus 30:10
10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
 
Leviticus 4:20
20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering, so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them.
 
Leviticus 5:6
6 And he shall bring his trespass offering unto the LORD for his sin which he hath sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, for a sin offering; and the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin.
 
Leviticus 16:6
6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house.
 
Daniel 9:24
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. {finish: or, restrain} {make an...: or, seal up} {prophecy: Heb. prophet}
 
Also
Psalm 65:3
3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. {iniquities: Heb. Words, or, Matters of iniquities}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 3:3
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daniel 4:27
27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. {a lengthening...: or, an healing of thine error}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Exodus 34:6. Psalm 57:3; 86:15. Micah 7:18-20. John 1:17. Compare chapter 14:22.
 
 
Exodus 34:6
6 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,
 
Psalm 57:3
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. {from the...: or, he reproacheth him that}
 
Psalm 86:15
15 But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.
 
Micah 7:18-20
18 Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. 20 Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
 
John 1:17
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
 
Compare
Proverbs 14:22
22 ¶ Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Psalm 85:10
10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Henry. Compare 89:2, 3, 14. Psalm 117:1.
 
 
Psalm 89:2, 3, 14
2 For I have said, Mercy shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens. 3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face. {habitation: or, establishment}
 
Psalm 117:1
1 ¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Geier.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proverbs 8:9
9 They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Junius and Tremelius, Cartwright, Schultens, Holden, Henry, Scott, Compare Glass’ beautiful exposition. Lib. iii. Tract. iii. Can. 26. The LXX omit the verse in its place, and add it to Ch. 15:27, connecting the blessing with man's moral virtues, not with God's perfections.
 
 
Proverbs 15:27
27 ¶ He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Isaiah 53:6
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. {laid...: Heb. made the iniquity of us all to meet on him}
 
2 Corinthians 5:21
21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Romans 8:32
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Romans 3:26
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Kings 7:21
21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple: and he set up the right pillar, and called the name thereof Jachin: and he set up the left pillar, and called the name thereof Boaz. {Jachin: that is, He shall establish} {Boaz: that is, In it is strength}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Romans 7:14-25
14 ¶ For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. {allow: Gr. know} 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? {the body...: or, this body of death} 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
 
Romans 8:1
1 ¶ There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Psalm 130:4. Compare Jeremiah 32:40.
 
 
Psalm 130:4
4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
 
Compare
Jeremiah 32:40
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me. {from them: Heb. from after them}
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Chapter 3:7; 8:13; 14:16, 27.
 
 
Proverbs 3:7, 8
7 ¶ Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
 
Proverbs 8:13
13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
 
Proverbs 14:16, 27
16 ¶ A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident. 17 ¶ He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Footnote:
Luke 1:74, 75. Compare Romans 6:1. 2 Corinthians 7:1.
 
 
Luke 1:74, 75
74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.
 
Compare
Romans 6:1
1 ¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
 
2 Corinthians 7:1
1 ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.