Proverbs 13:17

¶ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

A wicked {H7563} messenger {H4397} falleth {H5307} into mischief {H7451}: but a faithful {H529} ambassador {H6735} is health {H4832}.

A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.

Commentary

Proverbs 13:17 offers a clear contrast between the outcomes of two types of messengers: the wicked and the faithful. It highlights the profound impact of integrity and character in communication and representation, a timeless principle relevant to all forms of human interaction.

Context

The book of Proverbs is a collection of ancient wisdom literature, primarily attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical guidance for living a righteous and successful life. This particular verse fits within sections that often contrast the ways of the righteous with those of the wicked, detailing the consequences of their choices, words, and actions. In ancient Near Eastern societies, messengers and ambassadors played a crucial role in diplomacy, trade, and warfare, often carrying messages of life or death, peace or conflict. Their faithfulness was paramount, as a misrepresented message could lead to dire consequences for nations or individuals.

Key Themes

  • Integrity in Communication: The verse emphasizes the critical importance of truthfulness and reliability when conveying information or representing others. A message delivered with malice or deceit leads to trouble.
  • Consequences of Character: It illustrates the principle that one's character directly influences outcomes. A "wicked messenger" brings "mischief" (trouble, harm, calamity), while a "faithful ambassador" brings "health" (well-being, peace, healing, soundness). This aligns with the broader Deuteronomic principle of blessing for obedience and curses for disobedience, often seen in Proverbs.
  • The Role of Representation: An ambassador is someone entrusted with representing another, often a ruler or a nation. Their conduct and message reflect directly on those they represent. This points to the profound responsibility inherent in such a role.
  • Profound Impact on Others: The actions of the messenger do not just affect themselves but have significant implications for the recipients of the message and the relationships involved. A faithful delivery can bring healing and peace, while a wicked one can sow discord and trouble.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mischief" is ra'ah (רָעָה), which broadly means evil, trouble, calamity, or harm. It signifies the negative consequences that befall one who acts wickedly or delivers a harmful message. The term "ambassador" comes from the Hebrew tzir (צִיר), meaning an envoy, delegate, or representative, emphasizing the high-stakes nature of their mission. "Health" is translated from marpe (מַרְפֵּא), which means healing, remedy, soundness, or deliverance. It implies not just physical health but also spiritual and relational well-being, peace, and prosperity that comes from truth and faithfulness. This contrasts sharply with the "mischief" brought by the wicked.

Related Scriptures

This proverb resonates with other biblical teachings on the power of words and the importance of integrity. For instance, the destructive nature of deceit is often highlighted, as seen in Proverbs 12:22, which states that "Lying lips are abomination to the LORD". The positive impact of truth and righteousness is a recurring theme, echoing sentiments found in Proverbs 10:9, where "He that walketh uprightly walketh surely". The concept of bringing "health" through wise and faithful communication can be paralleled with the life-giving power of words, as described in Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue".

Practical Application

In contemporary life, we are all messengers in various capacities—whether in our personal relationships, professional dealings, or digital communications. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to communicate with integrity and faithfulness. When we convey information, represent an organization, or share our beliefs, our character shapes the outcome. For believers, this verse has particular resonance: we are called to be "ambassadors for Christ", entrusted with the message of reconciliation. Our faithfulness in delivering this message, both through our words and our lives, can bring spiritual "health" and healing to a broken world, whereas unfaithfulness can lead to spiritual "mischief" and confusion. It encourages us to strive for honesty, reliability, and good intent in all our interactions, recognizing that our words and actions carry significant weight.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 25:13 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Ezekiel 33:7 (4 votes)

    So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

  • Ezekiel 33:8 (4 votes)

    When I say unto the wicked, O wicked [man], thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:2 (3 votes)

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

  • Ezekiel 3:18 (3 votes)

    When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20 (3 votes)

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

  • Proverbs 25:23 (2 votes)

    ¶ The north wind driveth away rain: so [doth] an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.