“wrongs his own soul.” The semantic range of these words allows for the translation that many take: “forfeits his own life.” Sinning, or erring, against one’s own soul, especially by angering the king, may involve losing one’s life. Although this verse speaks only of a “king,” it has a very broad application. If we anger those who have authority over us, such as a parent, boss, guard, military commander, etc., we only cause problems for ourselves.