Proverbs 19:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

NIV: A king's rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

NASB: A king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

CSB: A king's rage is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

NLT: The king’s anger is like a lion’s roar, but his favor is like dew on the grass.

KJV: The king's wrath is as the roaring of a lion; but his favour is as dew upon the grass.

NKJV: The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, But his favor is like dew on the grass.

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.

Proverbs 19:8–21 continues Solomon's observations about wisdom and foolishness, a king's wrath, household turmoil, and human plans as compared to divine sovereignty. A theme of these proverbs is the danger of ignoring godly wisdom, while placing too much reliance on one's own ability. A wise person is prudent, diligent, and honest. At the same time, wisdom means realizing that not all plans work out.

Several themes are associated with these statements. Among them are the idea that personal integrity is worth much more than earthly wealth or success. Solomon discusses the unfortunate habit of favoring the rich and dismissing the poor, while commending those who care for the unfortunate. Many references are made to the consequences of foolish behavior, including the shame and punishment such things can bring.

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.