By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil (Proverbs 16:6, NKJV). There is a primary application of this proverb, but also a secondary application. The primary application is in relation to the Lord. Consider, first, that truth in an objective and transcendent sense resides only with God. It is His truth that sets us free (John 8:32). To us, this is obvious. His truth that sets us free is the result of the mercy He has rendered in our direction (Ephesians 2:4). Thus, by His mercy and truth, our sins are purged. A second application is in personal relationships. If there is a separation between you and another, the best solution is not to “dig in your heels.” Difficult though it may be, the solution to personal conflicts is a humbling approach toward the other and, if possible, to apply the same disposition toward the perceived “adversary” as the Lord rendered in our direction when we were adversarial (Romans 5:6-8). RT