New King James Version
Proverbs 16:14
14As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But 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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)A king's wrath is a messenger of death, and 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 for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness. 13Righteous lips are the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks what is right. As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it. 15In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16How much better to get wisdom than gold! And 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 19:12The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.
- Proverbs 20:2The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; Whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life.
- Daniel 3:13Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king.
- Luke 12:4“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.
- Proverbs 17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
- 2 Kings 6:31Then he said, “God do so to me and more also, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat remains on him today!”
- Mark 6:27Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison,
- Ecclesiastes 10:4If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.
- Acts 12:20Now Herod had been very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; but they came to him with one accord, and having made Blastus the king’s personal aide their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food by the king’s country.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you 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
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries