Proverbs 16:15

In the light of the king’s face ¹  there is life, and his favor is like the clouds ²  of the spring rain. ³ 

When a king’s face brightens, it means life; his favour is like a rain cloud in spring.

In the light of a king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud with the spring rain.

When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a gentle rain.

Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.

In the light of the king’s face there is life; and his approval is like a cloud of spring rain.

In the light of a king’s face there is life, and his favor is like the clouds that bring the spring rain.

In the light of the king’s face is life, And his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.

In the light of the king’s face ¹  there is life, and his favor is like the clouds ²  of the spring rain. ³ 

¹ tn Heb “the light of the face of the king.” This expression is a way of describing the king’s brightened face, his delight in what is taking place. This would mean life for those around him.

sn The proverb is the antithesis of 16:14.

² tn Heb “cloud.”

³ tn Heb “latter rain” (so KJV, ASV). The favor that this expression represents is now compared to the cloud of rain that comes with the “latter” rain or harvest rain. The point is that the rain cloud was necessary for the successful harvest; likewise the king’s pleasure will ensure the success and the productivity of the people under him. E.g., also Psalm 72:15-17; the prosperity of the land is portrayed as a blessing on account of the ideal king.