19:12 A king’s wrath is like 1 the roar of a lion, 2
but his favor is like dew on the grass. 3
1 sn The verse contrasts the “rage” of the king with his “favor” by using two similes. The first simile presents the king at his most dangerous – his anger (e.g., 20:2; Amos 3:4). The second simile presents his favor as beneficial for life (e.g., 16:14-15; 28:15).
2 tn Heb “is a roaring like a lion.”
3 sn The proverb makes an observation about a king’s power to terrify or to refresh. It advises people to use tact with a king.