Proverbs 14:35
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Original Language Analysis
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
is toward a wise
H7919
מַשְׂכִּ֑יל
is toward a wise
Strong's:
H7919
Word #:
4 of 7
to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent
Cross References
Proverbs 22:11He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.Matthew 25:23His 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.Matthew 25:21His 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.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern courts operated on favor systems. Wise servants like Joseph (Genesis 39-41), Daniel (Daniel 1-6), and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1-2) earned royal favor through wisdom and integrity. Shameful servants like Haman (Esther) or the wicked servant in Jesus' parable (Matthew 18:32-34) faced wrath. The proverb taught courtiers to pursue wisdom that honors rather than folly that shames their masters.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you serve those in authority over you—with wisdom that earns favor or foolishness that causes shame?
- What does faithful service to Christ the King look like in your daily work and relationships?
- How does anticipating Christ's 'well done, good and faithful servant' (Matthew 25:21) motivate wise living?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame. Retson-melekh le'eved maskil (רְצוֹן־מֶלֶךְ לְעֶבֶד מַשְׂכִּיל, the favor of a king toward a wise servant). Maskil (מַשְׂכִּיל, prudent, wise, one who acts wisely) earns royal favor. Ve'evrato tihyeh mevish (וְעֶבְרָתוֹ תִּהְיֶה מֵבִישׁ, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame). Mevish (מֵבִישׁ, causing shame, acting shamefully) provokes royal anger. This principle applies to all authority relationships—wise service earns favor, shameful behavior provokes wrath. Ultimately, believers serve Christ the King, whose favor comes through faithful service (Matthew 25:21).