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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 16:14 The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/16-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/20_Pro_16_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 16:14 - The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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the wise will try to appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/16.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king <i>is as</i> messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/16.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />As messengers of death <i>is</i> the king’s wrath, But a wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The fury of a king is <i>like</i> messengers of death; But a wise person will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The fury of a king is like messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The wrath of a king is <i>as</i> messengers of death, But a wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The wrath of a king is <i>like</i> messengers of death, But a wise man will atone for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A king’s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A king&#8217s fury is a messenger of death, but a wise man appeases it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/16.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />An angry ruler can put you to death. So be wise! Don't make one angry. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/16.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A king's anger announces death, but a wise man makes peace with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/16.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />A wise person will try to keep the king happy; if the king becomes angry, someone may die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/16.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king's wrath results in a death sentence, but whoever is wise will appease him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/16.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A king's wrath is like a messenger of death, but a wise person appeases it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/16.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The fury of a king [is] messengers of death, "" And a wise man pacifies it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The fury of a king is messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The king's wrath, messengers of death: and a wise man shall expiate it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death : and the wise man will pacify it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The indignation of a king is a herald of death. And the wise man will appease it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/16.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise person can pacify it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and whoever is wise will appease it.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The anger of the King becomes messengers of death and the wise man will assuage it.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The wrath of a king is as messengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/16-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3146" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/16.htm">The Reply of the Tongue is from the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥă·maṯ- (N-fsc) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">The wrath</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of a king</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ă·ḵê- (N-mpc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">is a messenger</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: mā·weṯ (N-ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">of death,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2450.htm" title="2450: ḥā·ḵām (Adj-ms) -- Wise. From chakam; wise.">but a wise</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: wə·’îš (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3722.htm" title="3722: yə·ḵap·pə·ren·nāh (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms:: 3fse) -- A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel.">will pacify it.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Esther 7:7-8</a></span><br />In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. / Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-13.htm">Daniel 3:13-19</a></span><br />Then Nebuchadnezzar, furious with rage, summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, / and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden statue I have set up? / Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-30.htm">1 Samuel 20:30-33</a></span><br />Then Saul’s anger burned against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse and rebellious woman! Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of the mother who bore you? / For as long as the son of Jesse lives on this earth, neither you nor your kingdom shall be established. Now send for him and bring him to me, for he must surely die!” / “Why must he be put to death?” Jonathan replied. “What has he done?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31-33</a></span><br />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!” / Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” / While Elisha was still speaking with them, the messenger came down to him. And the king said, “This calamity is from the LORD. Why should I wait for the LORD any longer?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/40-2.htm">Genesis 40:2-3</a></span><br />Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, / and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-1.htm">2 Samuel 24:1</a></span><br />Again the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He stirred up David against them, saying, “Go and take a census of Israel and Judah.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">1 Kings 20:42-43</a></span><br />And the prophet said to the king, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have let slip from your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life will be exchanged for his life, and your people for his people.’” / Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went home to Samaria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2-3</a></span><br />so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Psalm 76:10</a></span><br />Even the wrath of man shall praise You; with the survivors of wrath You will clothe Yourself.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></span><br />If the ruler’s temper flares against you, do not abandon your post, for calmness lays great offenses to rest.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-16.htm">Matthew 2:16</a></span><br />When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27-28</a></span><br />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. / The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-12.htm">Luke 23:12</a></span><br />That day Herod and Pilate became friends; before this time they had been enemies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Acts 12:20-23</a></span><br />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. / On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. / And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-4.htm">Romans 13:4</a></span><br />For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.</p><p class="hdg">wrath</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Proverbs 19:12</a></b></br> The king's wrath <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion; but his favour <i>is</i> as dew upon the grass.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a></b></br> The fear of a king <i>is</i> as the roaring of a lion: <i>whoso</i> provoketh him to anger sinneth <i>against</i> his own soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-13.htm">Daniel 3:13</a></b></br> Then Nebuchadnezzar in <i>his</i> rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king.</p><p class="hdg">messengers</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Proverbs 17:11</a></b></br> An evil <i>man</i> seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">2 Kings 6:31-33</a></b></br> Then he said, God do so and more also to me, if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/6-27.htm">Mark 6:27</a></b></br> And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison,</p><p class="hdg">but</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:4</a></b></br> If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/12-20.htm">Acts 12:20</a></b></br> And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's <i>country</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/5-20.htm">2 Corinthians 5:20</a></b></br> Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech <i>you</i> by us: we pray <i>you</i> in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/45-12.htm">Appease</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-35.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-17.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/psalms/148-2.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">News</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-4.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Pacify</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-31.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/21-17.htm">Appease</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-25.htm">Death</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-8.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Messenger</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-32.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-25.htm">News</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Pacifieth</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-6.htm">Pacify</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Wise</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 16</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm">The Plans of the heart</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/16.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>The wrath of a king is a messenger of death</b><br>In ancient times, kings held absolute power over their subjects, and their wrath could lead to severe consequences, including death. This phrase highlights the seriousness of a king's anger, which could result in immediate and irreversible punishment. The imagery of a "messenger of death" underscores the swift and often lethal nature of royal decrees. Historically, monarchs like Pharaoh in Egypt or Nebuchadnezzar in Babylon exemplified this power, where their anger could lead to executions or wars. Biblically, this is seen in <a href="/esther/7-7.htm">Esther 7:7-10</a>, where King Xerxes' wrath leads to Haman's execution. Theologically, it reflects the ultimate authority of God as King, whose righteous wrath against sin is a serious matter, as seen in <a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18</a>.<p><b>but a wise man will pacify it</b><br>Wisdom, in this context, involves understanding, discernment, and the ability to act prudently to avert disaster. A wise man, through humility, tact, and diplomacy, can calm the king's anger, preventing the dire consequences of his wrath. This is exemplified in the story of Abigail in <a href="/1_samuel/25.htm">1 Samuel 25</a>, who wisely intervenes to pacify David's anger, preventing bloodshed. Culturally, this reflects the high value placed on wisdom and counsel in ancient courts, where advisors played crucial roles in guiding kings. Spiritually, it points to the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate peacemaker, who through His wisdom and sacrifice, pacifies the wrath of God against sin, as seen in <a href="/romans/5.htm">Romans 5:1</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/k/king.htm">King</a></b><br>Represents authority and power. In ancient times, a king's wrath could lead to severe consequences, including death.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/w/wise_man.htm">Wise Man</a></b><br>Symbolizes someone who possesses wisdom and discernment, able to navigate difficult situations effectively.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/messenger_of_death.htm">Messenger of Death</a></b><br>A metaphor for the severe consequences that can result from the anger of someone in authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which this proverb was written, where kings held significant power over life and death.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally considered the author of Proverbs, known for his wisdom and understanding of human nature and governance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_authority.htm">Understanding Authority</a></b><br>Recognize the power and influence of those in authority and the potential consequences of their anger.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_wisdom.htm">Value of Wisdom</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of wisdom in navigating relationships with authority figures, using discernment to pacify anger.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking_skills.htm">Peacemaking Skills</a></b><br>Develop skills in conflict resolution and peacemaking, following the example of wise individuals in Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_leadership.htm">Respect for Leadership</a></b><br>Encourage respect for leaders and understanding their role as ordained by God, while also holding them accountable to righteous standards.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Trust in God's ultimate authority and sovereignty over human rulers, seeking His guidance in dealing with difficult situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 16</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'overrighteous_overwise'_mean.htm">What does 'not be overrighteous or overwise' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_biblical_womanhood.htm">What defines Biblical Womanhood?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_you_trust_your_instincts.htm">Should you trust your instincts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'persecuted_not_forsaken'.htm">How does wisdom lead to foolishness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The wrath of a king is as messengers of death.</span> In a despotic monarchy the death of an offender follows quickly on the offence. Anger the king, and punishment is at hand; instruments are always ready who will carry out the sentence, and that before time is given for reconsideration. The murder of Thomas a Becket will occur as an illustration (comp. <a href="/esther/7-8.htm">Esther 7:8</a>, etc). The LXX. translates, "The king's wrath is a messenger of death," taking the plural as put by enallage for the singular; but possibly the plural may intimate the many agents who are prepared to perform the ruler's behests, and the various means which he possesses for punishing offenders. This first clause implies, without expressly saying, that, such being the case, none but a fool will excite the monarch's resentment (comp. <a href="/ecclesiastes/8-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:4</a>); then the second clause comes in naturally. <span class="cmt_word">But a wise man will pacify it.</span> He will take care not to provoke that anger which gluts its resentment so quickly and so fatally (<a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Proverbs 19:12</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-2.htm">Proverbs 20:2</a>). Septuagint, "A wise man will appease him," the king; as Jacob propitiated Esau by the present which he sent forward (<a href="/genesis/32-20.htm">Genesis 32:20, 21</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/16-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">The wrath</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמַת־</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·maṯ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of a king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶ֥לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a messenger</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאֲכֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ă·ḵê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of death,</span><br /><span class="heb">מָ֑וֶת</span> <span class="translit">(mā·weṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but a wise</span><br /><span class="heb">חָכָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·ḵām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2450.htm">Strong's 2450: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֖ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will pacify it.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַפְּרֶֽנָּה׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵap·pə·ren·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3722.htm">Strong's 3722: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 16:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/16-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 16:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 16:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>