What does Proverbs 25:25 mean?

Modern persons are used to fast, easy communication. In fact, we are often frustrated when we cannot get immediate answers. Those living in the ancient world often needed to wait hours, days, or even years to hear answers to some questions. Most messages traveled only as fast as a person could move. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) conducted trade with foreign countries and dispatched ambassadors to them. The relief of hearing good news, after an extended period of waiting and wondering, is compared to how cool water refreshes when one is thirsty.

Missionaries like Paul would have been overjoyed when messengers returned with good news. At one point in his missionary travels, Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus so they could know how Paul and his companions were "and that he may encourage [the Ephesians'] hearts" (Ephesians 6:21–22). He also planned to send Timothy to Philippi to collect good news about the believers there. Timothy would return to Paul with that good news, and it would encourage Paul (Philippians 2:19–23). In the meantime, he sent Epaphroditus to the Philippians, because Epaphroditus had been longing for them and was distressed because the Philippians had heard he was ill (Philippians 2:25–26, 28).

The following proverb (Proverbs 25:26) contrasts this comparison by mentioning dirty waters; these do not refresh, they only frustrate.