Proverbs 25:13

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

As the cold {H6793} of snow {H7950} in the time {H3117} of harvest {H7105}, so is a faithful {H539} messenger {H6735} to them that send {H7971} him: for he refresheth {H7725} the soul {H5315} of his masters {H113}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like the coldness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes his master's spirit.

Berean Standard Bible

Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.

American Standard Version

As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So isa faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:13 masterfully employs a vivid agricultural simile to underscore the profound value of a dependable individual. It likens the refreshing and soul-reviving impact of a faithful messenger to the immense relief and satisfaction experienced when the "cold of snow" arrives during the intense, sweltering heat of harvest time. This proverb thus extols the virtues of trustworthiness, diligence, and integrity, highlighting how such qualities bring deep peace and confidence to those who rely upon them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 25 begins a new collection of Solomon's proverbs, specifically those "copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah" ([Proverbs 25:1](/proverbs/25-1 "Proverbs 25:1 - Solomon's Proverbs Copied by Hezekiah's Men")). This chapter, like much of the book, focuses on practical wisdom for daily living, emphasizing interpersonal relationships, communication, and character. Verses immediately preceding this one often deal with matters of speech, humility, and discretion (e.g., [Proverbs 25:11](/proverbs/25-11 "Proverbs 25:11 - A Word Fitly Spoken"), [Proverbs 25:12](/proverbs/25-12 "Proverbs 25:12 - A Wise Rebuke")). Proverbs 25:13 fits seamlessly into this broader theme by addressing the impact of one's actions and reliability on others, particularly in a professional or relational capacity. It serves as a positive counterpoint to warnings against unreliability found elsewhere in the book (e.g., [Proverbs 10:26](/proverbs/10-26 "Proverbs 10:26 - The Slothful Messenger")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the harvest season (typically late spring to early summer, from May to July) was a period of intense, physically demanding labor under often scorching sun. Workers would toil tirelessly in the fields, making any form of coolness or refreshment incredibly welcome. Snow, particularly from the high peaks like Mount Hermon, was a rare and precious commodity in the warmer regions, sometimes stored in insulated pits or caves to be used for cooling drinks or food, offering a luxurious and invigorating relief. Messengers were the primary means of communication in a world without modern technology, often traveling long and arduous distances on foot or by animal. The anxiety of waiting for news, especially from a distant endeavor or battle, was considerable. A "faithful" messenger was one who could be trusted implicitly to deliver the message accurately, diligently, and without corruption or delay, bringing not just information but also peace of mind and reassurance to the sender.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **value of faithfulness and integrity** in human relationships and responsibilities, a recurring motif throughout the book (e.g., [Proverbs 3:3](/proverbs/3-3 "Proverbs 3:3 - Loyalty and Faithfulness")). Secondly, it highlights the **blessing of reliability**, showing how a trustworthy person brings not just efficiency but also deep psychological and emotional relief to those who depend on them. This "refreshment of the soul" speaks to the holistic well-being that results from dependable service. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **wise communication and diligent service**, emphasizing that the manner and character of the messenger are as important as the message itself. The proverb implicitly contrasts the faithful messenger with the "slothful messenger" who "is as smoke to the eyes and as vinegar to the teeth" (as seen in [Proverbs 10:26](/proverbs/10-26 "Proverbs 10:26 - The Slothful Messenger")), thereby reinforcing the critical importance of dependable conduct in all spheres of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faithful (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** From H539, a primitive root meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." This word carries the sense of reliability, trustworthiness, and steadfastness. A faithful messenger is one who is firm in their commitment, true to their word, and can be fully relied upon to fulfill their duty without wavering or deception.
* **messenger (Hebrew, _tsîyr'_):** From H6735, meaning "a hinge (as pressed in turning); also a throe (as a phys. or mental pressure); also a herald or erranddoer (as constrained by the principal)." This term denotes someone dispatched on an errand, an ambassador, or a herald. The connection to "hinge" or "pressure" might subtly imply the crucial, pivotal role of the messenger in connecting parties, or the pressure of their task. The messenger is the vital link, and their character directly impacts the outcome.
* **soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** From H5315, properly "a breathing creature, i.e. animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or mental); any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it." In this context, _nephesh_ refers to the entire inner being of the masters—their mind, emotions, spirit, and overall well-being. The refreshment is not merely physical but deeply psychological and emotional, alleviating anxiety and instilling peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,"**: This opening clause establishes the **simile**, drawing a vivid picture of a highly desirable and rare commodity in a time of great need. The "cold of snow" (H6793, _tsinnâh_, also meaning "piercing cold") during the "time of harvest" (H7105, _qâtsîyr_, referring to the reaping season) highlights an extreme contrast. Harvest was a period of intense heat and arduous labor, making the thought of anything cold profoundly appealing and refreshing. This sets the stage for the immense relief that follows.
* **"so is a faithful messenger to them that send him:"**: This clause presents the first part of the comparison, directly equating the faithful messenger with the refreshing snow. The "faithful messenger" (H539, _ʼâman_, steadfast, trustworthy; H6735, _tsîyr_, herald) is someone utterly dependable, who can be trusted with the task assigned by "them that send him" (H7971, _shâlach_, to send away, for, or out). The emphasis is on the messenger's character and the reliability they embody.
* **"for he refresheth the soul of his masters."**: This final clause explains *why* the faithful messenger is like the cold of snow—because of the profound positive impact they have. "Refresheth" (H7725, _shûwb_, to turn back, hence, away; often implying restoration or renewal) suggests a deep sense of relief, renewal, and restoration. This refreshment is directed at the "soul" (H5315, _nephesh_), encompassing the entire inner being of the "masters" (H113, _ʼâdôwn_, sovereign, controller, lord, master). It signifies not just physical comfort but the alleviation of anxiety, the instilling of confidence, and a profound sense of peace and satisfaction for those who have entrusted a task to them.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 25:13 is a masterful example of a **Simile**, directly comparing two dissimilar things using "as... so is" to highlight a shared quality. The "cold of snow in the time of harvest" is directly likened to a "faithful messenger," emphasizing the refreshing and revitalizing effect both have. This **Imagery** is particularly potent, drawing on the common experience of physical discomfort during intense heat and the universal desire for relief. The mention of "snow" also carries a degree of **Symbolism**, representing something rare, precious, and profoundly invigorating in a context where it is desperately needed. The "refreshment of the soul" goes beyond mere physical relief, employing **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche** where "soul" (nephesh) represents the entire person, including their mental and emotional state. The proverb's structure is a classic example of **Wisdom Literature**, using a concise, memorable, and analogical statement to convey a timeless truth about character and its impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This proverb beautifully illustrates the theological principle that faithfulness is not merely a practical virtue but a profoundly spiritual one, reflecting the very character of God. Just as God is utterly faithful in His promises and covenant ([Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - The Lord Your God is Faithful"), [Psalm 89:8](/psalms/89-8 "Psalm 89:8 - The Faithfulness of God")), so too are His people called to embody this attribute in their dealings with one another. A faithful messenger brings a sense of peace and assurance that mirrors the peace found in trusting a faithful God. The "refreshment of the soul" points to the holistic well-being that results from righteous living and reliable relationships, a concept deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of Shalom. This verse implicitly teaches that our character has a tangible impact on the spiritual and emotional state of others, making our reliability a form of ministry.

* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - The Parable of the Talents: Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant!")
* [Proverbs 10:26](/proverbs/10-26 "Proverbs 10:26 - The Slothful Messenger")
* [Proverbs 13:17](/proverbs/13-17 "Proverbs 13:17 - A Wicked Messenger Falls into Trouble, But a Faithful Envoy Brings Healing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 25:13 offers a timeless challenge and encouragement for how we ought to live and interact with others. It calls us to embody the qualities of a "faithful messenger" in every sphere of our lives, whether at home, in the workplace, or within our communities. Being faithful means more than just completing a task; it means doing so with integrity, reliability, and a genuine commitment to the well-being of those who depend on us. When we are true to our word, diligent in our responsibilities, and honest in our communication, we become sources of profound refreshment and peace. This principle applies to everything from delivering a message accurately to fulfilling a promise, from performing our job duties diligently to being a trustworthy friend or family member. Our faithfulness alleviates anxiety, builds trust, and fosters an environment of confidence and security, truly refreshing the "soul" of those we serve.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you called to be a "faithful messenger" today?**
* **How does your reliability (or lack thereof) impact the "soul" of those around you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate greater faithfulness and diligence in your daily responsibilities?**
* **How does the faithfulness of God encourage you to be faithful in your own life?**

### FAQ
**What does "cold of snow in the time of harvest" mean in this proverb?**

Answer: This phrase refers to something incredibly rare, desirable, and profoundly refreshing during a period of intense heat and arduous labor. In ancient Israel, the harvest season (late spring/early summer) was notoriously hot. Snow, typically found only on high mountain peaks, was a luxury, sometimes stored in pits to provide cooling. The proverb uses this vivid image to emphasize the immense relief and satisfaction that a "faithful messenger" brings, akin to finding a source of coolness in oppressive heat. It highlights the stark contrast between a difficult situation and a welcome, revitalizing presence.

**What is the significance of "refresheth the soul"?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "soul" (nephesh, H5315) is comprehensive, referring to the entire inner being—the mind, emotions, and spirit, not just the physical body. Therefore, when a faithful messenger "refreshes the soul" (H7725, shûwb, implying restoration or renewal), it means they bring deep psychological and emotional relief, peace, and confidence to their masters. It alleviates anxiety, instills trust, and provides a profound sense of satisfaction, going beyond mere physical comfort to a holistic sense of well-being. This highlights the deep impact of trustworthiness on human relationships.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the quintessential "faithful messenger" sent from God. He is the divine Word made flesh, the perfect embodiment of faithfulness who perfectly delivered the Father's message of salvation. Just as the cold of snow refreshes in the heat of harvest, so Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, brings unparalleled refreshment to the human soul burdened by sin and the heat of spiritual toil. He is the [faithful and true witness](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness"), the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and the [Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd"). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial love, He has [reconciled us to God](/2-corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - God Reconciling the World to Himself Through Christ"), offering not just information, but the very [peace that surpasses all understanding](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). He is the ultimate source of spiritual refreshment, bringing rest to our weary souls (as promised in [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")), and perfectly fulfilling the role of the one who brings profound, life-giving relief to those who trust in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 13:17

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

Proverbs 25:25

¶ [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.

Proverbs 26:6

¶ He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, [and] drinketh damage.

Philippians 2:25

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

Philippians 2:30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.