Proverbs 16:14

14 The king's anger is a herald of death, and one who is wise will appease it.

Proverbs 16:14 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:14

The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death
Or, "angels of death", as the Targum. As the wrath of Ahasuerus was to Haman; when it is either discovered in the countenance of a king, or expressed by his words, or signified by a messenger; it sometimes has been immediate death to a person, and often as terrible as if a messenger brought the sentence of death; yea, it is as if one messenger after another was sent on such an errand, and therefore the word is in the plural number. How terrible is the wrath of the King of kings; and even to kings themselves, who are represented as flying to rocks and mountains to hide them from it! ( Revelation 6:15-17 ) ; but a wise man will pacify it;
by a proper acknowledgment of the offence committed; or by a prudent representation of his case, or the case of his friends; by soft answers and strong arguments, as Jonathan pacified the wrath of King Saul his father against David. He is a wise man that believes in Christ, and pleads his propitiatory sacrifice for the expiation of his sin, at the same time frankly acknowledging it.

Proverbs 16:14 In-Context

12 It is an abomination for a king to do evil, for the throne is made secure by righteousness.
13 The king should delight in righteous lips, and he should love someone who speaks what is right.
14 The king's anger is a herald of death, and one who is wise will appease it.
15 When the king's face brightens, it means life; his favor is like the clouds that bring spring rain.
16 How much better than gold it is to gain wisdom! Yes, rather than money, choose to gain understanding.
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.