What does Proverbs 25:13 mean?

Harvest is a time of intense work: collecting crops to be processed for the upcoming winter. Even with modern tools, this requires physical labor. In the ancient world, it was even more backbreaking. Modern workers often have access to ice from machines. In Solomon's time, ice and snow could be obtained from mountains, but with much difficulty. Past or present, a cool drink is a great comfort during hot, heavy labor.

Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) assigns that uplifting quality to a person who loyally follows instructions. Knowing someone is diligently carrying out their task brings great relief to a supervisor or king. Other proverbs (Proverbs 10:26; 25:19; 26:6) provide examples of the opposite.

First Corinthians 4:1–2 identifies the servants of Christ as "stewards" and notes that such persons should be "found faithful." Believers are the Lord's messengers, charged with the responsibility to take the good news of salvation into all the world (Matthew 28:19). They are supposed to be faithful stewards of this good news; to serve as ambassadors for Christ by urging unbelievers to be reconciled to God. Through believers, God makes his appeal (2 Corinthians 5:18–20). God is pleased when His servants faithfully carry His message.