When the Lion Roars and the Dew Falls (Proverbs 19:12)
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Proverbs 19:12
A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,
but his favor is like dew on the grass.
This proverb teaches two things about power: the danger of offending it and the blessing of receiving its favor.
Let’s see this through two lenses — first, the earthly kingdoms we live under; and second, the heavenly kingdom that reigns over all.
First, in our earthly kingdoms:
To face the wrath of someone in power — a boss, a coach, a parent, even a friend — can feel like the growl of a lion. It shakes us. It reminds us how fragile our sense of peace can be when someone’s approval or anger holds sway over us.
But when that same person’s face softens toward us, when we receive their favor, it’s like dew on the grass — refreshing, renewing, life-giving.
Such are the extremes of human favor and disfavor. But they are fleeting, unpredictable, and ultimately limited.
Now, lift your eyes to the heavenly kingdom.
The King of Kings holds a wrath far more terrible than any earthly ruler’s — yet also a favor far more enduring.
His wrath is not a temper or mood; it’s His settled opposition to everything that destroys His creation. And His favor — the smile of His grace — is not like morning dew that vanishes with the rising sun. It’s eternal.
You could drive your car across continents and still not reach the end of it.
So what should we do with this?
Yes, we should heed the wisdom Solomon gives — to act with humility and discernment under earthly authority. But even more, we should lift our gaze higher, to the One whose favor cannot be earned or lost.
Because through Jesus Christ, the Son who bore the lion’s roar of wrath on the cross, we now live under a favor that never fades.
Let’s pray.
