“The wrath of a king is like a messenger of death, But a wise man will appease it.” 

Proverbs 16:11 AMP

In days gone by and in countries ruled by monarchies, the word of the King is life or death. Living for the past 20 years under the rule of a king, it is clearly evident that as the king desires so shall it be. The word of the king was more powerful than the man himself! Once an edict was given it may not be able to be reversed! Remember the situation with Daniel?

“Then they approached and spoke before the king regarding his injunction, “Have you not signed an injunction that anyone who petitions (prays to) any god or man except you, O king, within the designated thirty days, is to be thrown into the den of lions?” The king answered, “The statement is true, in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be altered or revoked.” 

Daniel 6:12 AMP

Still in many places today, the word of the king can bring life or death to the recipient! That is why Solomon is warning those who would take a leadership role to be wise and just with their decisions. I am reminded of a word of wisdom my father passed to me, “Don’t poke a bear!” Here we are reminded that the consequences of that action can be fatal! A king’s anger might not be reasonable, fair, or wise, but a wise person recognizes the benefit of avoiding it. There are however those situations where we as Christians cannot compromise. It is in standing in faith we might be called to lay down of lives for what is right. We read of one such situation in the book of acts where the governmental authorities tried to limit the activity of the disciples. 

“So they brought them and presented them before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court). The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this [c]Man’s blood on us [by accusing us as His murderers].”29Then Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men [we have no other choice].” 

Acts 5:27-29 AMP

The disciples did not go looking for a fight, the enemy brought it to them! Jesus was very clear that in these last days some would be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. 

“Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. 17Beware of men [whose nature is to act in opposition to God], for they will hand you over to the courts and flog you in their synagogues; 18and you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. 19But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given you within that [very] hour; 20for it is not you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” 

Matthew 10:16-20 AMP

We must remember that when we went to the cross, we died to our lives and now let the Savior live His through us! Maybe those words will mean our release. Maybe those words will be the last we speak like Steven. When King Saul decreed that David should be hunted down and killed (1 Samuel 19:1), his son Johnathan spoke words of wisdom to calm the anger of the king.

“Then Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “May the king not sin against his servant David, since he has not sinned against you, and since his deeds have been very beneficial to you. 5For he took his life in his hand and killed the Philistine, and the LORD brought about a great victory for all Israel; you saw it and rejoiced. Why then would you sin against innocent blood by killing David without a cause?” 6Saul listened to Jonathan and swore [an oath], “As the LORD lives, he shall not be put to death.” 7So Jonathan called David and told him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was [a]in his presence [serving him] as previously.”

1 Samuel 19:4-7 AMP

In this case we see the fulfilment of our verse today, “…But a wise man will appease it.” Regardless of the outcome we must ask ourselves, “Do I trust Him?” One of my favorite verses in the Scripture is,

“This is why I suffer as I do. Still, I am not ashamed; for I know Him [and I am personally acquainted with Him] whom I have believed [with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in the truth of His deity], and I am persuaded [beyond any doubt] that He is able to guard that which I have entrusted to Him until that day [when I stand before Him].” 

2 Timothy 1:12 AMP

Have you entrusted your life to Him? Then walk in the power of His Spirit and let the cards fall where they may! Have a blessed day. Pastor Ken