“A servant who deals wisely has the king’s favor”: “Servant” in the context of a royal proverb most likely refers to an official in the palace or a minister of the king. “Who deals wisely” means one who administers or carries out his duties skillfully, capably, competently. “Favor” renders a word first used in 8.35 and means “goodwill,” “pleasure,” “acceptance.” Note that Good News Translation has restructured the whole line: “Kings are pleased with competent officials.” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy has “The capable servant earns the king’s favor.”

“But his wrath falls on one who acts shamefully”: “His wrath” refers to the king’s anger or fury. “Falls on” is literally “will be on.” Some translate this as “punish.” “One who acts shamefully” is literally “one who causes shame.” This person contrasts with the competent servant or official in line 1 and so refers to the incompetent official who administers badly or, as New English Bible/Revised English Bible say, “those who fail him [the king].”

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 .