Proverbs 16:14

Modern

The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Traditional

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

Literal

The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, and a wise man will appease it.

Latin

Indignatio regis nuntii mortis, et vir sapiens placabit eam.

Hebrew

English

The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

The king is powerful. People should avoid making him angry and try to earn his favor.

This series of sayings reflects on the king, who symbolizes God's power on Earth.

Theme notes and profiles

Proverbs 20:2
The terror of a king is like the roar of a lion; whoever provokes him forfeits his own life.
Proverbs 19:12
A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.
Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.
Daniel 3:13–25
Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,
Acts 12:20
Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food.
Mark 6:27
So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.
2 Kings 6:31–33
He announced, “May God punish me, and ever so severely, if the head of Elisha son of Shaphat remains on his shoulders through this day!”
2 Corinthians 5:20
Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeks only rebellion; a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
Luke 12:4–5
I tell you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.