Redemption in Proverbs

Redemption from sin is not necessary apart from the reality of sin. From the introduction to the book of Proverbs (1:1-7), we learn this book teaches practical wisdom. This wisdom is rooted in the proper attitude of reverence toward God (1:7). The opposite of the wise person in Proverbs is the fool. The fool is a fool because of sin and irreverence toward God. Proverbs 24:9 reads, "The devising of foolishness is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to humanity.” Proverbs 20:9 asks the rhetorical question, "Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin'?” The implied answer is that no one is completely pure from sin. That is the problem.

What is the answer to the problem of sin? Proverbs doesn't contain much about the theology of sin and atonement, but it seems it does address the problem. Proverbs 16:6 states, "By lovingkindness and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the LORD one keeps away from evil." Whose lovingkindness (Hebrew chesed) and truth (or perhaps better understood as “faithfulness”) atones for iniquity? It can be argued, rightly I think, that it is the Lord's lovingkindness and faithfulness that atones for sin. Theologically, this finds fulfillment in the atonement offered in God's Messiah. The proper response to God's lovingkindness and faithfulness is reverence (fear) toward Him leading to repentance and avoiding sin. The verb translated “keeps away” can also be understood as turning aside from evil.

Ben