Proverbs 25:25

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

As cold {H7119} waters {H4325} to a thirsty {H5889} soul {H5315}, so is good {H2896} news {H8052} from a far {H4801} country {H776}.

Like cold water to a person faint from thirst is good news from a distant land.

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.

Ascold waters to a thirsty soul, So is good news from a far country.

Commentary on Proverbs 25:25 (KJV)

Proverbs 25:25 offers a beautiful and universally relatable analogy, highlighting the profound comfort and relief that good news can bring. It compares the invigorating effect of "cold waters to a thirsty soul" with the joy of receiving "good news from a far country." This verse, part of the collection of Solomonic proverbs, speaks to the human longing for satisfaction and reassurance.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, particularly in the arid climate of Israel, water was an invaluable commodity. "Cold waters" (or refreshing waters) were not merely pleasant but essential for survival and a source of deep physical relief, especially after arduous travel or labor under the hot sun. The image evokes immediate and profound refreshment for someone in dire need. Similarly, communication over long distances ("from a far country") was slow, uncertain, and often fraught with peril. Messengers could take weeks or months, and their arrival was always eagerly anticipated. Therefore, the arrival of "good news" (Hebrew: shemu'ah tovah) after a period of anxious waiting would be met with immense emotional relief, joy, and a sense of revival, much like quenching a deep thirst.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Relief and Refreshment: The primary theme is the deep satisfaction and revival brought by something desperately needed. Just as water sustains physical life, good news can revive the spirit and alleviate anxiety. This resonates with the concept of Jesus offering living water that quenches spiritual thirst eternally.
  • The Power of Positive Information: The proverb underscores the immense impact of communication. Positive, truthful news has the power to transform mood, alleviate worry, and bring immense comfort and clarity. It contrasts with the distress caused by uncertainty or negative reports.
  • Hope and Anticipation Fulfilled: The phrase "from a far country" implies a period of waiting, uncertainty, and perhaps even fear. The arrival of good news signifies the fulfillment of hope and the joyous end of anxious anticipation. This can be seen as a microcosm of the greater hope believers have in the blessed hope of Christ's glorious return.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "good news" is shemu'ah tovah (שְׁמוּעָה טוֹבָה). Shemu'ah generally means a report, rumor, or message, while tovah means good, pleasant, or beneficial. This phrase captures the essence of a message that brings joy, relief, and positive outcome. The "cold waters" imply not just coolness, but a refreshing, invigorating quality, often associated with pure spring water.

Practical Application

This proverb encourages us to be intentional purveyors of good news and encouragement in our interactions. In a world often saturated with distressing reports and negativity, bringing a word of truth, hope, or comfort to someone can indeed be like offering "cold waters to a thirsty soul." It reminds us of the power of our words to uplift and revive. Furthermore, it points to the ultimate "good news from a far country" – the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This divine message, originating from heaven, truly quenches the deepest spiritual thirst and brings unparalleled joy and relief to a world longing for hope.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Proverbs 15:30

    ¶ The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: [and] a good report maketh the bones fat.

  • Romans 10:15

    And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

  • Psalms 63:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

  • Genesis 21:16

    And she went, and sat her down over against [him] a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against [him], and lift up her voice, and wept.

  • Genesis 21:19

    And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

  • Nahum 1:15

    Behold upon the mountains the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace! O Judah, keep thy solemn feasts, perform thy vows: for the wicked shall no more pass through thee; he is utterly cut off.

  • Exodus 17:2

    Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the LORD?

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