Definition: The king’s favour [is] toward a wise servant: but his wrath is [against] him that causeth shame.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Proverbs 14:35. It’s a really interesting and layered verse about leadership and reward! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says that when a king or leader rewards someone wise, they also punish them if they do something wrong. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “The king’s favour [is] toward a wise servant” : This means that wise and thoughtful people are valued and appreciated by those in power. They’re seen as good choices to lead or be trusted. Think of it like someone who’s smart and understands things well – they're likely to be respected. “but his wrath [is] against him that causeth shame” : This is the crucial part. It means that when a wise person makes a mistake, the king (or leader) will really punish them severely. The word “wrath” here isn’t just anger; it's a deep, burning condemnation – a feeling of intense shame and loss of respect. It’s like someone gets really, really bad consequences for their actions. So, the whole verse is saying: Wise people are rewarded with favor and respect, but if they act badly or make mistakes, the king will be very angry and punish them harshly. Think of it like this analogy: Imagine a talented artist who accidentally paints something terrible. The king might not reward them with a big bonus, but they will likely give them a stern warning and possibly even take away their position. Why is this important? Proverbs 14:35 encourages us to be thoughtful in our choices. It suggests that wisdom isn't just about knowing things, it’s about understanding the consequences of your actions – both good and bad. It highlights that being wise often leads to a better future for yourself. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? Would you like me to give you an example of how this principle applies in real life, or perhaps explore another related proverb?