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12 Wrongdoing is an abomination to kings,
    for by justice the throne endures.(A)
13 The king takes delight in honest lips,
    and whoever speaks what is right he loves.(B)
14 The king’s wrath is a messenger of death,(C)
    but a wise person can pacify it.
15 A king’s smile means life,
    and his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 16:15 The last of six sayings about the king. In the previous verse, royal wrath means death; in this verse royal favor means life. It is significant that royal favor is compared to something not under human control—the clouds preceding the spring rains.