A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
Parallel translations
- KJV A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
- BSB A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
- NKJV A wicked messenger falls into trouble, But a faithful ambassador brings health.
- NASB A wicked messenger falls into adversity, But a faithful messenger brings healing.
- NLT An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
An unreliable messenger causes harm, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Trustworthiness in carrying out a charge matters greatly.
Overview
In the ancient world a messenger's reliability could determine peace or disaster, so the proverb commends the faithful envoy who brings healing rather than trouble. It highlights the value of integrity in those entrusted with responsibility. Christ is the supremely faithful messenger of the new covenant, bringing the healing news of reconciliation with God (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- Prov 25:13As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
- Ezek 33:7–8So you, son of man, I have set you a watchman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
- 1 Cor 4:2Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful.
- 2 Cor 5:20We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us: we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
- 2 Tim 2:2The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
- 1 Tim 1:12And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;
- Ezek 3:18When I tell the wicked, ‘You will surely die;’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but I will require his blood at your hand.
- Jer 23:13–16“I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria. They prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
- 2 Cor 2:17For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
- Prov 26:6One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence.
- Prov 10:26As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
- Jer 23:28The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat?” says Yahweh.
- Prov 25:23The north wind produces rain; so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.
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Christ at the center
Wisdom personified, with God before creation and the agent of all things, anticipates Christ 'in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom' — the wisdom of God made flesh.
How Proverbs 13:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.