What does Proverbs 19:12 mean?

Here, again, Solomon presents a piece of common-sense wisdom—this idea is not necessarily celebrated, but merely noted (Proverbs 16:14–15). Those in authority have the power to help or drastically hurt those under them. A wise person doesn't unnecessarily provoke those authority figures (Proverbs 20:2). Rather, it's a mark of good sense to maintain positive relationship with one's employer, government, and other leaders. Of course, a believer's ultimate loyalty is to God, not men. At times, honoring God obligates us to disobey earthly authority (Acts 5:29).

An example of a king's wrath coming on God-honoring people is found in Daniel 3. "Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego" (Daniel 3:19). This king was enraged because the men wouldn't bow to his statue. As devout worshippers of the One True God, the three men had refused to participate in idolatrous worship, and therefore they received the death penalty. The king ordered a fire pit heated seven times hotter than normal and commanded soldiers to throw the disobeying believers in. In that case, God miraculously intervened (Daniel 3:26–27), though He will not always do so (John 16:1–4).

For the same reasons, giving proper respect to authority can lead to benefits. Joseph was a good example of this truth (Genesis 39:1–6, 20–23; 41:38–40). He made a good-faith effort to please his superiors, without compromising his faith in God. As a result, he became second-in-command in Egypt and was able to rescue God's people, the Hebrews.