“In the light of a king’s face there is life”: In contrast with verse 14, where the king’s anger can cause death, in this line the happy face of the king gives life. “The light of a king’s face” is an expression more commonly used in regard to the Lord. For examples, see Psa 4.6 (Hebrew verse 7); 44.3 (Hebrew verse 4); and 89.15 (Hebrew verse 16). The sense is a happy, smiling, pleasant face disposed or ready to grant favors. “Life” refers to a long and happy life or even prosperity. Bible en français courant says “A smile on the face of the king is the promise of life.” In some languages the relation between the king’s pleasant face and “life” must be expressed with an active verb, for example, “When the king’s face shines with happiness, he gives life to the people.” Good News Translation has dropped the image of the bright face, but in many languages it may be desirable to keep this image.

“And his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain”: For “favor” see 8.35 and 11.27. The king’s goodness is compared to “clouds” that cause it to rain in the spring, that is, during the months of March and April when the crops have been planted and depend on the rain to start their early growth. For another reference to the “spring rain” see Job 29.23. In some areas the equivalent of the “spring rain” is “the small rain,” “the rain from the west,” or “the rain after planting.” The meaning of the image of “the clouds” is that they bring life, growth, and refreshment. This may need to be brought out in translation; for example, “his favor refreshes like a gentle rain” (New Living Translation).

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .