Proverbs 16:14

Proverbs 16:14 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
• New International Version (NIV)A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
• English Standard Version (ESV)A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.
• New King James Version (NKJV)As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.

Context of Proverbs 16:14

12It is repulsive [to God and man] for kings to behave wickedly, For a throne is established on righteousness (right standing with God). 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And he who speaks right is loved. The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it. 15In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain. 16How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

Proverbs 16:14 word by word

חֲמַת־מֶ֥לֶךְ מַלְאֲכֵי־מָ֑וֶת וְאִ֖ישׁ חָכָ֣ם יְכַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• The wrathחֵמָהchêmâh chêmâ' · rageH2534
• of a kingמֶ֫לֶךְmelek · kingH4428
• messengersמַלְאָךְmal'âk · messengerH4397
• of deathמָ֫וֶתmâveth · deathH4194
• but a wiseחָכָםchâkâm · wiseH2450
• manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• will pacifyכִּפֶּרkâphar · to atoneH3722

Cross-references for Proverbs 16:14

• Proverbs 19:12The king’s wrath terrifies like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is as [refreshing and nourishing as] dew on the grass.
• Proverbs 20:2The terror of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his own life.
• Daniel 3:13Then Nebuchadnezzar in a furious rage gave a command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego; and these men were brought before the king.
• Luke 12:4“I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have nothing more that they can do.
• Proverbs 17:11A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
• 2 Kings 6:31Then he said, “May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today!”
• Mark 6:27So the king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring back John’s head. And he went and had John beheaded in the prison,
• Ecclesiastes 10:4If the temper of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your post [showing resistance], because composure and calmness prevent great offenses.
• Acts 12:20Now Herod [Agrippa I] was extremely angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and their delegates came to him in a united group, and after persuading Blastus, the king’s chamberlain [to support their cause], they asked for peace, because their country was fed by [imports of grain and other goods from] the king’s country.
• 2 Corinthians 5:20So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.

Commentaries on Proverbs 16:14

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 14While Proverbs 16:13 depicts the king as he ought to be, this verse reminds us of the terrible rapidity with which, in the despotic monarchies of the East, punishment, even death, follows royal displeasure.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-15Verses 14-15 Those are fools, who, to obtain the favour of an earthly prince, throw themselves out of God's favour.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 14-15The king is powerful. People should avoid making him angry and try to earn his favor.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1414. This wrath, so terrible and certain, like messengers of death (1Ki 2:25), can be appeased by the wise.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 16:14

• Anger
• Citizens
• Executioner
• King

In the dictionaries

• Wise, Man
• Chief
• Divine
• Haughty
• Lot
• Pride
• Whisperer
• Meekness
• Proverb
• Proverbs, the Book of

Commentaries on Proverbs 16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings