Proverbs 16:14
12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
15 In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
- KJV
- The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
- WEB
- The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.
- ASV
- The wrath of a king is [as] messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
- DARBY
- The fury of a king is [as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.
- BLB
- The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death, and a wise man will appease it.
- ÅB
- En konges vrede er dødens bud, men en vis mann stiller vreden.
- OTB
- En konges vrede er en budbringer av død, men en klok person vil blidgjøre den.
- B1930
- En konges vrede er dødens bud, men en vis mann stiller vreden.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Proverbs 20:2
The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.
Read in contextProverbs 19:12
The king’s wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.
Read in contextEcclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Read in contextLuke 12:4–5
And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
Read in contextProverbs 17:11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.
Read in context2 Kings 6:31–33
Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.
Read in contextActs 12:20
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
Read in context2 Corinthians 5:20
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Read in context