Proverbs 16:14

14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.

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 An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.
14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.
15 The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.
16 The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.