Proverbs 25:13 kjv
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Proverbs 25:13 nkjv
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Proverbs 25:13 niv
Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.
Proverbs 25:13 esv
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
Proverbs 25:13 nlt
Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.
They revive the spirit of their employer.
Proverbs 25 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 13:17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. | Contrast: wicked vs. faithful messenger. |
| Prov 10:26 | Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. | Contrast: slothful vs. faithful messenger. |
| Prov 22:29 | Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings. | Skill and diligence rewarded. |
| Prov 25:11 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. | Timely and appropriate communication. |
| Prov 25:25 | Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. | Good news brings refreshment and relief. |
| Matt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. | Reward for faithful stewardship. |
| Matt 25:23 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. | Similar reward for another faithful servant. |
| Lk 16:10 | One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much... | Faithfulness in small things leads to more. |
| 1 Cor 4:2 | Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. | Essential quality for those entrusted. |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | ...and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. | Entrusting important tasks to faithful people. |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord... knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. | Working faithfully as service to the Lord. |
| Jer 31:25 | For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. | God refreshes the soul. |
| Ps 23:3 | He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. | God's restorative work on the soul. |
| Prov 20:6 | Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find? | Faithfulness is a rare and valued quality. |
| Prov 28:20 | A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished. | Blessings upon faithfulness. |
| Prov 16:13 | Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and he who speaks what is right they love. | Value of honest and right words to leaders. |
| Prov 15:23 | To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! | Joy from well-timed and fitting words. |
| Isa 32:2 | Each will be like a hiding place from the wind, a shelter from the storm...like streams of water in a dry place, like the shade of a great rock in a weary land. | Providing relief and shelter. |
| Neh 7:2 | I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the commander of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many. | Example of choosing a faithful man for responsibility. |
| Gal 5:22-23 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control... | Faithfulness as a fruit of the Spirit. |
| Titus 2:9-10 | Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters...showing perfect faithfulness, so as to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. | Faithfulness in all roles adorns truth. |
| Ps 7:10 | My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. | Upholding the upright, including faithful. |
| 1 Thess 5:12 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you... | Respect for those who labor diligently. |
| Rom 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. | Call to zealous and diligent service. |
Proverbs 25 verses
Proverbs 25 13 Meaning
A faithful messenger, like a snow-cooled drink during the scorching heat of harvest, provides immense relief, deep satisfaction, and vital reassurance to those who entrusted them with a task. It underscores the profound refreshing effect of integrity and reliability in service.
Proverbs 25 13 Context
Proverbs chapter 25 is part of a collection often referred to as "More Proverbs of Solomon copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah." These proverbs focus on various aspects of wisdom, counsel for kings, diplomacy, proper social conduct, and the nature of wise and foolish behavior. This verse, like others in the surrounding context (e.g., Prov 25:11-15), uses vivid comparisons to illustrate the value of character and timely action. Historically, messengers were vital for communication, trade, and governance in ancient Near Eastern societies, making their reliability of paramount importance. The reference to "harvest time" places the scene in late spring to summer, a period of intense heat and labor in ancient Israel, where cool refreshments were a luxury.
Proverbs 25 13 Word analysis
- Like (כְּ
ke-): This comparative particle introduces a simile, directly linking the two contrasting images to convey a powerful message about the refreshing effect of faithfulness. - cold (קָרַת
qarat): Refers to coolness or coldness, indicating a desired quality that alleviates heat and discomfort. - of snow (שֶׁלֶג
sheleg): Snow was a rare and precious commodity in most of Israel, typically brought down from the mountains (like Hermon) and stored in insulated pits. Its presence in harvest time, when it was exceptionally hot, denotes extreme luxury and potent refreshment. - in the time of harvest (קָצִיר
qatsir): This phrase specifies the intense heat of summer when agricultural labor was at its peak. The heat amplified the desire and need for cooling, making "cold of snow" a highly coveted item. - so (כֵּן
ken): Signals the culmination of the simile, establishing a direct equivalence. - is a faithful (נֶאֱמָן
ne'eman): From the rootaman, meaning firm, stable, reliable, trustworthy. This descriptor is key, highlighting competence, integrity, and diligence in performing duties as entrusted. It goes beyond mere loyalty to include competence and accuracy. - messenger (צִיר
tsir): A delegate, envoy, or representative sent on a mission. In ancient times, the messenger was the primary link between parties, and their accuracy and reliability were crucial. - to those who send him (שֹׁלְחָיו
sholkhav): Refers to the "senders" or masters who delegated the task. It emphasizes the impact on the superior or those in authority. - for he refreshes (יָשִׁיב
yashiv): Fromshuv, meaning to return, restore, revive, or comfort. It suggests bringing back one's vitality, alleviating distress, and providing comfort and renewal. - the soul (נֶפֶשׁ
nephesh): In Hebrew,nepheshoften refers to the entire being—the life force, inner person, or spirit. This "refreshment" is not merely physical, but profoundly internal, bringing mental ease, peace, and renewed confidence. - of his masters (אֲדֹנָיו
adonay): Plural for "his lords" or "his masters." It underscores the significance of the messenger's faithfulness to all who rely on their service, from an individual to multiple delegators or even a collective body of authority.
Words-group by words-group analysis
- "Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest": This vibrant, culturally resonant imagery establishes a benchmark for unparalleled relief and preciousness. It paints a picture of extreme discomfort (hot harvest) being met with an extremely welcome and rare source of rejuvenation (snow). The context of scarcity and high demand elevates its value.
- "so is a faithful messenger to those who send him": This directly connects the invaluable physical refreshment with the moral and professional quality of a messenger. The phrase highlights that a messenger's most crucial asset is their "faithfulness"—their reliability and integrity in executing a task. This faithfulness provides relief from the anxieties and uncertainties of delegation.
- "for he refreshes the soul of his masters": This explains the reason for the profound simile. The benefit extends beyond mere successful completion; it impacts the "soul" (inner being) of the senders, alleviating their worries, building trust, and providing deep satisfaction and peace. It emphasizes the psychological and emotional impact of dependable service.
Proverbs 25 13 Bonus section
- The emphasis on "the soul" (nephesh) reveals that the benefit of faithfulness is not merely practical or transactional but deeply personal and comforting. It touches the very essence of the senders' well-being, easing anxiety and building confidence.
- This proverb beautifully illustrates a key principle of wisdom literature: the often understated, but immensely significant, impact of virtuous character on everyday life and relationships.
- It serves as a strong encouragement for all who are given a trust or a task, highlighting the high esteem and genuine gratitude that their unwavering diligence and integrity will engender.
- The plural "masters" implies that such faithfulness could benefit an entire organization, family, or even the broader community involved, suggesting widespread positive ramifications from one person's reliable service.
Proverbs 25 13 Commentary
Proverbs 25:13 succinctly captures the immense value of trustworthiness in service. It elevates a faithful messenger to the status of a rare and profound comfort, comparing their positive impact to the extraordinary relief of snow-cooled refreshment during the sweltering and arduous harvest season. This vivid metaphor underscores that reliability and integrity in delegated tasks bring not just efficiency, but deep internal peace and satisfaction to those who rely on them. An individual who consistently performs with competence and honesty removes worry from their "masters," allowing them to feel secure and refreshed. This principle extends beyond literal messengers to any form of stewardship, leadership, or service where one's faithfulness brings honor to their commission and eases the burden of those who depend on their word or work. It highlights that character profoundly influences not only the doer but also the receiver of service.