Proverbs 16:13–15

PROVERBS CHAPTER 16.

V. 13. Righteous lips are the delight of kings, true sovereigns are pleased to have men among their counselors who will frankly state the truth in righteousness; and they love him that speaketh right, that is, if they themselves are God-fearing men, they will prefer to have such men among their advisers.

V. 14. The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, if he becomes enraged, he has many means and instruments at his disposal to carry out his sentence of death; but a wise man will pacify it, he will quietly offer such arguments as will allay and soothe the wrath of the king.

V. 15. In the light of the king’s countenance is life, when he is graciously disposed, he dispenses favors which make life pleasant for his subjects; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain, that which preceded harvest, the point of comparison being the enlivening strength.