Proverbs 16:6, Sins Forsaken!
By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. The first clause tells how the sinner’s guilt is purged; the second shows how its power is subdued and broken. The first tells of pardon that comes down from God to man; the second shows obedience offered up from man to God. Perowne observes that “it is a lifting of man’s appropriation of the atonement out of the ceremonial and ritual into the moral sphere of action.” So much that goes for Christianity today, is empty ritualism and vain worship, making little or no moral or spiritual impact on everyday life. “Christian names are everywhere; Christian men are very rare.” A reverent regard for the Divine will is a major proof of true Christianity.