Proverbs 16:14

14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.

Proverbs 16:14 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 16:14

The wrath of a king [is as] messengers of death
Or, "angels of death", as the Targum. As the wrath of Ahasuerus was to Haman; when it is either discovered in the countenance of a king, or expressed by his words, or signified by a messenger; it sometimes has been immediate death to a person, and often as terrible as if a messenger brought the sentence of death; yea, it is as if one messenger after another was sent on such an errand, and therefore the word is in the plural number. How terrible is the wrath of the King of kings; and even to kings themselves, who are represented as flying to rocks and mountains to hide them from it! ( Revelation 6:15-17 ) ; but a wise man will pacify it;
by a proper acknowledgment of the offence committed; or by a prudent representation of his case, or the case of his friends; by soft answers and strong arguments, as Jonathan pacified the wrath of King Saul his father against David. He is a wise man that believes in Christ, and pleads his propitiatory sacrifice for the expiation of his sin, at the same time frankly acknowledging it.

Proverbs 16:14 In-Context

12 An evil-doer is an abomination to a king; for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are acceptable to a king; and he loves right words.

14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death; but a wise man will pacify him.

15 The son of a king is in the light of life; and they that are in favour with him are as a cloud of latter rain.

16 The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.