Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 16:6

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged , and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil .

Either 1. By Gods Mercy or Grace, and by his truth in performing his Promises made to sinners in Christ. Or 2▪ By mens Mercy and Truth, as those very words are jointly used, Prov. 3. 3. & 20, 28. and elsewhere; and as, in the following clause, the fear of the Lord is a Grace or Disposition in men: by a merciful and just and faithful frame of heart and course of Life: which are here opposed to Sacrifices, as mercy is, Hos. 6. 6. by which the hypocritical Jews expected to obtain the expiation of their sins.

Not meritoriously but instrumentally, as they qualifie a man to offer up acceptable Prayers to God for the Pardon of his sins, and to receive and apply to himself that pardon which Christ by his Blood hath purchased for all sincere Believers, who are filled with Mercy and Truth, and other Graces.

By a filial Reverence or Respect unto God, and by an holy fear of offending God, and by a dread of Gods judgments.

They are kept from abusing pardoning Mercy, and from returning to Folly or Wickedness. So he sheweth that Justification and Sanctification are constant and inseparable Companions.

Marginal references: [illegible: 1 span].