Proverbes 16:14

14 La fureur du roi est un messager de mort, Et un homme sage doit l'apaiser.

Proverbes 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.

Proverbes 16:14 In-Context

12 Les rois ont horreur de faire le mal, Car c'est par la justice que le trône s'affermit.
13 Les lèvres justes gagnent la faveur des rois, Et ils aiment celui qui parle avec droiture.
14 La fureur du roi est un messager de mort, Et un homme sage doit l'apaiser.
15 La sérénité du visage du roi donne la vie, Et sa faveur est comme une pluie du printemps.
16 Combien acquérir la sagesse vaut mieux que l'or! Combien acquérir l'intelligence est préférable à l'argent!
The Louis Segond 1910 is in the public domain.