Bible Strands
Proverbs 14:35
A king delights in a wise servant, but his anger falls on the shameful.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The book of Proverbs addresses Israelite citizens and leaders with practical instruction on governance and conduct. The immediate context contrasts national righteousness with sin, framing royal favor as a direct consequence of servant behavior.
The words — מַשְׂכִּ֑יל (mas.Kil) denotes one who acts prudently, while מֵבִֽישׁ (me.Vish) describes one who acts shamefully. These terms establish the behavioral standard that determines royal response.
The thread — The text appears in Proverbs 14:35, with related themes in Matthew 24:45, Proverbs 22:11, and Proverbs 25:5. These passages trace the principle that leadership rewards integrity and removes wickedness.
Why it lands — The text states that prudent conduct earns royal favor while shameful behavior invites anger. It requires readers to align their actions with wisdom to avoid disciplinary consequences.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
The king’s favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
Cross-references
- Matthew 24:45 Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?
- Proverbs 22:11 He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend.
- Proverbs 25:5 Remove the wicked from the king’s presence, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
- Proverbs 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.
- Matthew 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
- Matthew 25:23 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’
- Luke 12:42 And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?
- Psalms 101:4 A perverse heart shall depart from me; I will know nothing of evil.
- Proverbs 10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
- Proverbs 17:2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son and share his inheritance as one of the brothers.