Another matter, “Moses implored,” that is what is written: “The fury of a king is angels of death” (Proverbs 16:14). It is speaking of Moses. When Israel performed that act, the fury of the Holy One blessed be He intensified and He sent angels of destruction to destroy Israel. That is, “The fury of a king is angels of death.”
“And a wise man will appease it” (Proverbs 16:14), this is Moses, who is called a wise man, as it is stated: “The wise goes up against the city of the mighty” (Proverbs 21:22), as he stood and spoke in favor of Israel, to reconcile them with their Father in Heaven. That is, “Moses implored.” Another matter, “Moses implored,” that is what is written: “Cynical men will agitate a city” (Proverbs 29:8), this is Israel, who fanned the flames of fury in the world with the calf that they crafted, as Rabbi Asi said: There is no generation that does not take an ounce from the act of the calf.8In every generation there is some punishment due to the sin of the Golden Calf.
“And wise men will assuage wrath” (Proverbs 29:8), this is Moses, who suppressed the fury of the Holy One blessed be He with the favorable plea that he pleaded on behalf of Israel. That is, “Moses implored.”