“As messengers of death is the king’s wrath, but a wise man will appease it. In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Proverbs 16:14-16).
Here’s another creative and powerful way Solomon writes the next verse of his song “Pursue Wisdom”. It needs to be a passionate, lifelong pursuit.
Only an abject fool would rashly offend a king who has life-or-death authority over him. The only sane and prudent course of action is to learn to speak the truth with wisdom. Preventing the king’s wrath (or at the very least, appeasing it if you should kindle it) should be obvious to all.
If you can master such prudence and wisdom, the blessing of the king’s approval is life (instead of peril and possible death). His favor is like the final rains needed in Palestine for a rich and bountiful harvest. These comparisons in verse fifteen are powerful.
In light of the life-or-death importance of speaking the truth with wisdom, Solomon returns to the resounding theme of this book: “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver”.
