Proverbs 16:15 Meaning and Explanation
“In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The king's approval brings life and blessing, like life-giving rain.
The Context of Proverbs 16:15
The proverb presents the positive counterpart to royal wrath—the blessing of royal favor.
What Does Proverbs 16:15 Mean?
'In the light of the king's countenance is life'—the brightness of the king's face, his visible approval and pleasure, means life, flourishing, and blessing for those in his presence. The king's expression and attitude are sources of vitality. 'His favour is as a cloud of the latter rain' extends this with an agricultural metaphor: the latter rain (spring rain needed for harvest) is a blessing essential to survival; the king's favor is comparably vital.
In agrarian societies, rain is life itself—without it, crops fail and people starve. The king's favor is presented in this same category of necessity and blessing. This forms a pair with the previous verse: the king's wrath is death, the king's favor is life. The metaphor emphasizes that the king's disposition determines the well-being of those dependent on him. Favor is not luxury; it is elemental.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 16:15
What does Proverbs 16:15 mean?
The king's approval brings life and blessing, like life-giving rain.
What is the context of Proverbs 16:15?
The proverb presents the positive counterpart to royal wrath—the blessing of royal favor.