English Standard Version
Proverbs 16:14
14A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease 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.
- New King James Version (NKJV)As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.
- New Living Translation (NLT)The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.
Context of Proverbs 16:14
12It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right. A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it. 15In the light of a king's face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain. 16How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than 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 wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
- Proverbs 20:2The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
- Daniel 3:13Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.
- Luke 12:4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.
- Proverbs 17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
- 2 Kings 6:31and he said, "May God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders today."
- Mark 6:27And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison
- Ecclesiastes 10:4If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest.
- Acts 12:20Now Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the king's chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king's country for food.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, 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
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries