Proverbs 16:14

14 An angry king can order your death. But a wise man will try to calm him down.

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 A king hates it when his people do what is wrong. A ruler is made secure when they do what is right.
13 Kings are pleased when what you say is honest. They value people who speak the truth.
14 An angry king can order your death. But a wise man will try to calm him down.
15 When a king's face is happy, it means life. His favor is like rain in the spring.
16 It is much better to get wisdom than gold. It is much better to choose understanding than silver.
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