Christian Standard Bible
Proverbs 16:14
14A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.
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
12Wicked behavior is detestable to kings, since a throne is established through righteousness. 13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he loves one who speaks honestly. A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it. 15When a king’s face lights up, there is life; his favor is like a cloud with spring rain. 16Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver.
Read all of Proverbs 16Proverbs 16:14 word by word
חֲמַת־מֶ֥לֶךְ מַלְאֲכֵי־מָ֑וֶת וְאִ֖ישׁ חָכָ֣ם יְכַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 16:14
- Proverbs 19:12A king’s rage is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
- Proverbs 20:2A king’s terrible wrath is like the roaring of a lion; anyone who provokes him endangers himself.
- Daniel 3:13Then in a furious rage Nebuchadnezzar gave orders to bring in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king.
- Luke 12:4“I say to you, my friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more.
- Proverbs 17:11An evil person desires only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
- 2 Kings 6:31He announced, “May God punish me and do so severely if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today.”
- Mark 6:27The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in prison,
- Ecclesiastes 10:4If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your post, for calmness puts great offenses to rest.
- Acts 12:20Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. Together they presented themselves before him. After winning over Blastus, who was in charge of the king’s bedroom, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food from the king’s country.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “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
In the dictionaries
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
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