Proverbs 16:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.

NIV: A king's wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.

NASB: The fury of a king is like messengers of death; But a wise person will appease it.

CSB: A king's fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.

NLT: The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.

KJV: The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.

NKJV: As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.

In ancient times, kings often had absolute, unlimited authority. Even those with limitations (Daniel 6:12–14) controlled the lives of their subjects with far more power than almost any modern world leader. Decisions of life or death were theirs to make. Solomon wisely notes here a principle echoed in an English proverb: "don't poke the bear." The English statement, as well as Solomon's proverb, points out the foolishness of unnecessarily provoking a powerful enemy. A king's anger might not be reasonable, or fair, but a wise person recognizes the benefit of avoiding it. The same wisdom would apply, today, in any circumstance involving authority. Until or unless there is no choice (Acts 5:29), it's preferable to keep peace with those in charge. Solomon touches on how to handle the predicament of a king's rage in Ecclesiastes: "If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place, for calmness will lay great offenses to rest" (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

When Saul was king, he was irrationally angry and ordered that David should be assassinated (1 Samuel 19:1). However, Saul's son Jonathan warned David. He placated his father's wrath by reminding him how David risked his life to fight Goliath and save Israel (1 Samuel 19:4–5). Jonathan's attempt to calm Saul's anger worked. The same passage says, "Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan. Saul swore, 'As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death'" (1 Samuel 19:6).

Proverbs 16:10–15 continues Solomon's wise observations. This group of proverbs includes several touching on "kings;" these principles can be applied to other government leaders or authorities, as well. The passage describes ideals regarding leadership and discusses the relationship between rulers and their subjects.

This part of Solomon's proverbs emphasizes human motives, self-control, and common sense. Many of these proverbs are arranged in a two-part style. The first and second half of these statements make the same basic point, but from opposite perspectives. Notable verses are verses 9 and 33, speaking of God's sovereignty, and verse 18, a famous warning about arrogance. Also often cited is verse 25, which repeats Proverbs 14:12 and encourages self-reflection.

A lengthy list of Solomon's wise sayings began in chapter 10. Chapter 16 begins a section mostly composed of comparisons and completions. It extends to Proverbs 22:16. Man's thoughts, speech, motives, and conduct are examined in this chapter. The chapter also addresses pride, evil, and injustice.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.