Proverbs 16:14
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it.
In context
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord; all the weights in the bag are of his making. 12 Kings detest wrongdoing, for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right. 14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, but the wise will appease it. 15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 16:14 in the KJV
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: But a wise man will pacify it.
- ESV English Standard Version
— Proverbs 16:14 in the ESV
A king’s wrath is a messenger of death, and a wise man will appease it.