Pro 19:12 | KingComments | STEP | We have a wonderful, pictorial contrast here. On the one hand, the “roaring of a lion” that terrifies all who hear it, and on the other hand, the “dew on the grass” that descends inaudibly, that invigorates and can be trampled on just like that. We see these two manifestations in a king. His wrath inspires great terror ( ), while his favor is beneficence ( ). A king has the power to terrify or to invigorate and refresh. He can look menacing but also friendly. This proverb advises the king’s subjects not to do things that make him wrathful, for then they will not fare well. However, they may count on his favor if they serve him in faithfulness. We can apply this verse, like the previous verse, to God and Christ. Christ is the Lion from the tribe of Judah. We must fear His wrath if we oppose Him, but we may be assured of His refreshing esteem if we serve Him in faithfulness.

‏ Proverbs 19:12

The Wrath and the Favor of a King

We have a wonderful, pictorial contrast here. On the one hand, the “roaring of a lion” that terrifies all who hear it, and on the other hand, the “dew on the grass” that descends inaudibly, that invigorates and can be trampled on just like that. We see these two manifestations in a king. His wrath inspires great terror (Rev 10:3), while his favor is beneficence (Psa 72:6).

A king has the power to terrify or to invigorate and refresh. He can look menacing but also friendly. This proverb advises the king’s subjects not to do things that make him wrathful, for then they will not fare well. However, they may count on his favor if they serve him in faithfulness.

We can apply this verse, like the previous verse, to God and Christ. Christ is the Lion from the tribe of Judah. We must fear His wrath if we oppose Him, but we may be assured of His refreshing esteem if we serve Him in faithfulness.