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Here we have a proverb that points to the LORD Jesus. Because of God's love, Christ came to earth and atoned for the sins of His people. Mercy and truth are part of the essence that is Christ. Likewise in the first chapter of John's gospel we again are reminded of the grace and truth which are Jesus:
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:12-14).
"Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) nas.
Note that the second part of today's proverb beings with the word "and"; this suggests a continuation of the earlier thought. Christ has atoned for the iniquity of His people and thus their salvation will be evidenced in both a reverent fear of the LORD and a continual, ongoing desire to do His will. The book of Proverbs naturally points us to the key verse involved with spiritual understanding: 'the fear of the LORD is the beginning if wisdom'. Christ is the foundation in the life of a true child of God, the next step in building upon that foundation is to fear Him:
"The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate." (Proverbs 8:13).
"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." (Daniel 4:27).
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