Proverbs 19:12

12 A king's anger is like a lion's roar. But his favor is like dew on the grass.

Proverbs 19:12 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 19:12

The king's wrath [is] as the roaring of a lion
Which is very terrible when hungry, and is after its prey, and has got it. Kings, especially tyrannical ones, are compared to lions; as Nebuchadnezzar by Jeremiah, ( Jeremiah 4:17 ) ( 50:17 ) ; and Nero by the Apostle Paul, ( 2 Timothy 4:7 ) ; and the rage of such is very dreadful, as Ahasuerus's was to Haman. Jarchi interprets the king, of the holy blessed God. It may be applied to Jesus Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah; who is said to cry with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth; and whose wrath is terrible to wicked men, and even to the kings of the earth, ( Revelation 5:5 ) ( 10:3 ) ( 6:15-17 ) ; but his favour [is] as dew upon the grass;
which refreshes and revives it, and causes it to grow and flourish: and so the favour and good will of a king to his subjects delights them, and causes joy and cheerfulness in them; and such an effect has the love of God and Christ on the children of men, ( Hosea 14:6 ) .

Proverbs 19:12 In-Context

10 It isn't proper for a foolish person to live in great comfort. And it is much worse when a slave rules over princes!

11 A man's wisdom makes him patient. He will be honored if he forgives someone who sins against him.

12 A king's anger is like a lion's roar. But his favor is like dew on the grass.

13 If a child is foolish, he destroys his father. A nagging wife is like dripping that never stops.

14 You will receive houses and wealth from your parents. But a wise wife is given by the Lord.