Proverbs 14:35

KJV

¶ The king's favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.

KJV (with Strong's)

The king's {H4428} favour {H7522} is toward a wise {H7919} servant {H5650}: but his wrath {H5678} is against him that causeth shame {H954}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A king shows favor to a servant with good sense, but his wrath strikes one who shames [him].

Berean Standard Bible

A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.

American Standard Version

The king’s favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; But his wrath will beagainsthim that causeth shame.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 14:35 distills a fundamental principle of governance and human relationships: the direct correlation between an individual's character and conduct and their standing with authority. It posits that a ruler's goodwill and acceptance are extended to those who serve with wisdom and discernment, while severe displeasure and punitive consequences are reserved for those whose actions bring disgrace or dishonor. This proverb not only offers practical guidance for navigating societal hierarchies but also subtly points to the divine order where righteousness is rewarded and folly brings judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 14 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs (chapters 10-22), characterized by short, pithy sayings that often employ antithetical parallelism to highlight contrasts between wisdom and folly, righteousness and wickedness. This particular verse stands as a self-contained maxim, yet it resonates deeply with the chapter's broader emphasis on the practical consequences of one's choices, such as the contrast between the righteous who build and the wicked who tear down ([Proverbs 14:1](/proverbs/14-1 "Proverbs 14:1 - The Wise Woman Builds Her House")), or the ultimate outcome of different paths ([Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right")). It serves as a specific application of the general principle that good character yields good outcomes, while bad character yields bad ones, a theme woven throughout the entire [Book of Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "The Book of Proverbs - Wisdom for Life").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, as in many Near Eastern societies, the king was the supreme earthly authority, often seen as God's vice-regent, responsible for justice and order. His "favour" or "wrath" could determine a person's livelihood, social standing, or even life itself. Servants in this context were not merely domestic workers but could include high-ranking officials, advisors, and administrators who directly served the king. The proverb reflects a hierarchical society where loyalty, competence, and integrity were highly valued in those who served the monarch, as their actions reflected directly on the king's reputation and effectiveness. The concept of "shame" (Hebrew: *bûwsh*) carried significant social weight, implying public disgrace, dishonor, or a failure that brought discredit upon oneself and one's master.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes prevalent in the wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **retributive justice**, where actions inherently lead to corresponding consequences—favor for wisdom, wrath for shame-inducing behavior. Secondly, it highlights the **value of wisdom and discernment** (*sâkal*), portraying wisdom not merely as intellectual capacity but as practical skill, moral integrity, and prudent conduct in service. Conversely, it condemns **folly and its destructive outcomes**, represented by actions that "cause shame." Finally, it speaks to the **dynamics of authority and submission**, emphasizing the reciprocal relationship where a ruler's disposition is shaped by the character and performance of their subordinates, a principle applicable to all forms of leadership and service, including our relationship with the ultimate King, God, whose favor is toward those who walk in His wisdom, as seen in [Psalm 5:12](/psalms/5-12 "Psalm 5:12 - God's Favor for the Righteous").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **favour (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** From the root *râtsâh*, meaning "to be pleased with" or "to accept," *râtsôwn* denotes delight, pleasure, goodwill, or acceptance. In this context, it signifies the king's positive disposition, approval, and benevolent regard toward a servant, often leading to tangible benefits or promotion. It speaks to a desired state of being in the king's good graces.
* **wise (Hebrew, _sâkal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent." *Sâkal* implies a deep understanding, discernment, and prudence that leads to successful and skillful action. A "wise servant" is one who acts thoughtfully, competently, and with integrity, demonstrating practical wisdom in their duties. This wisdom is not merely intellectual but involves skillful living and moral insight.
* **shame (Hebrew, _bûwsh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to pale," and by implication, "to be ashamed." It can also mean to be disappointed or confounded. In this proverb, "him that causeth shame" refers to someone whose actions result in disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation, not only for themselves but potentially for the king they serve. Such actions are typically characterized by foolishness, incompetence, negligence, or disloyalty, leading to a public loss of esteem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The king's favour is toward a wise servant":** This clause establishes the positive correlation. The "king" represents any figure of authority, and "favour" (*râtsôwn*) signifies their goodwill, approval, and positive disposition. This favor is directed specifically "toward a wise servant," one who possesses and demonstrates practical wisdom (*sâkal*) in their service. This wisdom encompasses not just intelligence but also prudence, diligence, integrity, and effectiveness, leading to actions that benefit the king and uphold his reputation. The implication is that such a servant is valued, trusted, and likely to be rewarded or promoted.
* **"but his wrath is against him that causeth shame."**: This clause presents the antithetical contrast. "His wrath" (*ʻebrâh*) denotes a strong, overflowing anger or fury from the king, indicating severe displeasure and likely punitive consequences. This wrath is directed "against him that causeth shame," referring to a servant whose actions bring disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation (*bûwsh*). Such conduct stems from folly, incompetence, negligence, or disloyalty, damaging the king's reputation or interests. The proverb highlights the inevitable negative outcome for those who fail to serve with wisdom and integrity, emphasizing the direct and severe consequences of their detrimental actions.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 14:35 primarily employs **Antithetical Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew wisdom literature. This device presents two contrasting lines or clauses that express opposing ideas, with the second line often providing a foil or counterpoint to the first. Here, "the king's favour" is contrasted with "his wrath," and "a wise servant" is juxtaposed with "him that causeth shame." This sharp contrast effectively highlights the clear and predictable consequences of two distinct paths of conduct. Additionally, the proverb uses **Metonymy**, where "king's favour" and "his wrath" stand in for the positive and negative outcomes or treatments dispensed by the king. The abstract concepts of "favour" and "wrath" are personified as active agents, demonstrating the king's disposition. The structure also implies a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, where wisdom causes favor and shame causes wrath, reinforcing the didactic purpose of the proverb.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 14:35, while speaking to earthly governance, profoundly reflects divine principles of justice, accountability, and the nature of God's relationship with humanity. Just as an earthly king rewards diligence and punishes folly, so too does God, the ultimate Sovereign, respond to the character and conduct of His servants. His "favour" (or grace and blessing) is extended to those who walk in His wisdom, demonstrating obedience, integrity, and faithfulness, while His "wrath" (or righteous judgment) is reserved for those who persist in rebellion, foolishness, and actions that dishonor His name. This proverb underscores the theological truth that God is not indifferent to human behavior; He is a righteous judge who delights in righteousness and abhors wickedness, establishing a moral order where consequences are intrinsically linked to choices.
* [Proverbs 22:29](/proverbs/22-29 "Proverbs 22:29 - Diligence Leads to Prominence")
* [Psalm 5:12](/psalms/5-12 "Psalm 5:12 - God's Blessing on the Righteous")
* [Romans 2:6-8](/romans/2-6 "Romans 2:6-8 - God's Impartial Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb offers profound insights for contemporary life, extending beyond the literal king-servant dynamic to all forms of authority and relationships. In our workplaces, communities, and families, demonstrating wisdom—which includes diligence, integrity, and a commitment to excellence—naturally garners favor, trust, and opportunities. Conversely, actions that are foolish, negligent, or dishonest inevitably lead to negative consequences, eroding trust and damaging reputation. Spiritually, we are called to be faithful servants of God, our heavenly King. Our lives, lived in obedience to His wisdom as revealed in Scripture, bring us into His favor and blessing, enabling us to be effective agents of His kingdom. When we act in ways that dishonor Him or His truth, we invite His displeasure and hinder our spiritual fruitfulness. This proverb challenges us to consistently pursue wisdom in all our endeavors, recognizing that our character and conduct have direct and significant repercussions, both earthly and eternal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently seeking the "favor" of an authority figure (e.g., employer, parent, community leader)? How does your conduct align with the "wise servant" described in this proverb?**
* **Can you identify instances where your actions (or the actions of others) have "caused shame" and led to negative consequences? What lessons can be learned from these experiences?**
* **How does the concept of God as the ultimate King, whose favor is toward the wise and whose wrath is against those who cause shame, shape your understanding of discipleship and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Does "king" in this proverb only refer to a literal monarch?**

Answer: While the immediate context is an ancient monarchy, the "king" in wisdom literature often functions as a representative of any legitimate authority figure—an employer, a parent, a leader, or even God Himself as the ultimate sovereign. The proverb's principle is broadly applicable: those in positions of authority tend to favor subordinates who act wisely and competently, and disapprove of those who act foolishly or cause harm. It speaks to universal principles of leadership and service.

**What does "causeth shame" specifically imply?**

Answer: "Causeth shame" (Hebrew: *bûwsh*) implies actions that bring disgrace, dishonor, or humiliation. This could stem from a variety of behaviors: incompetence, negligence, disloyalty, dishonesty, or outright rebellion. It's not just a personal failing but an action that reflects poorly on the authority one serves. For example, a servant who mismanages resources or betrays a trust would "cause shame" to their master. This concept is contrasted with the "wise servant" who brings honor and credit to their master through their prudent and effective service, as seen in the positive outcomes described in [Proverbs 17:2](/proverbs/17-2 "Proverbs 17:2 - A Wise Servant's Authority").

**How does this proverb relate to God's grace, which is often described as unmerited favor?**

Answer: This proverb operates within the framework of wisdom literature, which often highlights the natural consequences of actions within a divinely ordered world. While God's saving grace is indeed unmerited favor extended to sinners through Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Grace Through Faith")), this proverb speaks to the principles of divine governance and the outworking of God's character. Once saved, believers are called to live wisely and righteously, and God's ongoing blessing and "favor" (in terms of intimate fellowship, spiritual fruitfulness, and answered prayer) are often experienced by those who walk in obedience and wisdom, as illustrated in [Psalm 84:11](/psalms/84-11 "Psalm 84:11 - God's Favor to the Upright"). Conversely, persistent disobedience can lead to divine discipline, which, while redemptive, can feel like "wrath" in its immediate consequence, as described in [Hebrews 12:5-11](/hebrews/12-5 "Hebrews 12:5-11 - God's Discipline"). The proverb, therefore, describes the principles of God's moral governance, not the initial act of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 14:35 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of the "wise servant" and the ultimate King. As the perfect Servant of God, Jesus consistently acted with divine wisdom and perfect obedience, never causing shame but always bringing glory and honor to His Father. His entire life, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, was marked by perfect wisdom and faithfulness, earning Him the Father's ultimate "favour" and delight, as declared at His baptism and transfiguration ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Affirmation of Jesus") and [Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - The Transfiguration")). Conversely, those who reject Christ and persist in their foolishness and sin ultimately incur the "wrath" of God, for their actions bring shame and dishonor to the Creator ([John 3:36](/john/3-36 "John 3:36 - The Wrath of God on Disobedience")). Through His atoning work, Jesus, the wise servant, absorbed the wrath due to our shame, making a way for us to be reconciled to God and enter into His favor, not based on our flawed wisdom, but on His perfect righteousness imputed to us ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Thus, this proverb points us to Christ as the one who perfectly fulfilled the ideal of the wise servant and, through His sacrifice, offers us access to the eternal King's unmerited favor.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 24:45

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?

Matthew 24:51

And shall cut him asunder, and appoint [him] his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

Luke 12:48

But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Proverbs 22:11

¶ He that loveth pureness of heart, [for] the grace of his lips the king [shall be] his friend.