Proverbs 16:6-7 (ESV)
6 By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for,
and by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil.
7 When a man’s ways please the LORD,
he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
These verses describe both the forgiveness God provides and the transformation that follows. Solomon begins, “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for.” Religious activity cannot remove sin. God desires hearts that trust him, not merely outward rituals. As Samuel reminded Saul, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Scripture teaches that atonement ultimately comes through God’s steadfast love and faithfulness displayed in Christ. When a woman repents of her sin and places her faith in Christ, he forgives her completely and begins changing her from the inside out.
Solomon then turns from past forgiveness to future obedience: “By the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.” Genuine salvation always produces a changed life. The woman who fears the Lord recognizes the seriousness of sin because she knows God sees, cares, and judges rightly. Having been delivered from the penalty of sin, she now desires to walk in holiness. Her obedience does not earn God’s favor but demonstrates that he has given her a new heart.
Verse 7 continues, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” God delights in those who sincerely seek to obey him. He described Job as “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:8). Likewise, “the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9). God sees every heart. He knows who truly desires to honor him and who merely goes through the motions.
God’s promise does not mean believers will never have enemies. Scripture is filled with faithful men and women who suffered opposition. Rather, it reminds us that God is sovereign over those who oppose his people. He can restrain their hostility, change their hearts, or use even their attacks to accomplish his purposes. We are therefore free to leave vengeance in his hands, remembering his promise: “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
There is no greater joy than knowing your life pleases the Lord. No matter how far you have wandered, God is able to forgive the repentant sinner and present her blameless before his throne through Christ. If you have been reconciled to God, seek to be reconciled to others whenever possible. If others continue to reject you, entrust yourself to the righteous Judge. He sees every wrong, and in his perfect time, he will make all things right. We demonstrate our confidence in his future justice by our present obedience.