Proverbs 14:35

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
רְֽצוֹן
favour
delight (especially as shown)
#2
מֶ֭לֶךְ
The king's
a king
#3
לְעֶ֣בֶד
servant
a servant
#4
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
is toward a wise
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
#5
וְ֝עֶבְרָת֗וֹ
but his wrath
an outburst of passion
#6
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
מֵבִֽישׁ׃
is against him that causeth shame
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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