Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 14:35, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.
American Standard Version
The king's favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely; But his wrath will be [against] him that causeth shame.
World English Bible version
The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
Proverbs 14:35 Meaning & Commentary
A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor, but his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully. – Proverbs 14:35 (ESV)
This verse compares a wise servant’s actions, lifestyle, or behavior and one who acts shamefully. The Bible compares the ‘reward’ or ‘fruit’ they receive from a king. We must understand that when The Bible talks about a “king,” this could imply a literal king.
However, broader lessons can be learned and applied to our lives. A “king” can be anyone in a position of rulership or authority. So, if we are to apply God’s Word to our lives and learn His principles for godly success – we can substitute the word ‘king’ for boss, manager, president, etc. Most people will never actually find themselves in the presence of a king. However, we will almost all work for somebody at some point.
Therefore, we can apply these lessons to our lives and current situation. When we deal (or act) wisely, The Bible says we have the king’s favor. It takes wisdom, discernment, and even a certain level of shrewdness to navigate relationships successfully – especially those to whom we submit. There are certain ‘principles’ for behavior around superiors. We are not placed where we are under a mentor, leader, or boss to be their friend. Certain relationships could develop into that; however, shrewdness is required to navigate these relationships with wisdom and walk in favor (or good standing) with the person.
When we fail to apply wisdom, we end up acting ‘shamefully.’ This can manifest in various ways, such as thinking the person is our friend, buddy, or another ‘common person.’ However, wisdom understands the principles of honor, submission, responsibility, and obedience. When we apply these principles, we open God’s blessing over our lives and begin to walk in favor in every area and dimension of our life! However, when we fail to walk wisely, we automatically do the opposite, and the result or ‘payout’ is the ‘wrath’ or disdain of the king or person of authority in our lives!
Application
How can we apply Proverbs 14:35 to our lives?
The Bible highlights the importance of wisdom over and over and even calls it the ‘principal’ thing: Proverbs 4:7 – Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding (NKJV). When The Bible talks about it being the principal or main thing, it means that it is first in rank, beginning, the chiefest or main thing. Wisdom applies to every area of our life, and The Bible invites us to ask for wisdom without fear, doubt, or second thought: James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
The reality is that when we ask God for wisdom and are led by Him, we don’t need to try not to act shamefully or stupidly. Wisdom is a ‘guard’ or a ‘protection’ over our lives: Proverbs 4:5-6 – Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom protects, guides, and leads us. When we ask God for wisdom, and He answers us – we will ‘instinctively’ know what to do and what not to do. We will know what to say and what not to say.
Therefore, as Proverbs 14:35 says, we will be able to act wisely, shrewdly, and smartly and ‘unlock’ the favor of God over our lives. Favor is from God and man – however, they are linked together! Jesus, as our example, grew in favor with God and man: Luke 2:52 – And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. Therefore, we should always seek wisdom – and pray to God whenever we need it. Wisdom will cause us to walk shrewdly and unlock doors of favor in our life, especially from those whom God has placed as “kings” in our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You for where You have placed me in life. Help me to recognize those who are over me in The Lord.
Please give me wisdom and discernment to effectively navigate every relationship in my life so that doors of favor will be unlocked and I can step into new dimensions of success. I ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
