Chapter
Verse

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.
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.
NASB Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
CSB To those who send him, a trustworthy envoy is like the coolness of snow on a harvest day; he refreshes the life of his masters.
NLT Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer. They revive the spirit of their employer.
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.
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.

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.
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