Proverbs 25:25

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 25:25 beautifully illustrates the profound and immediate relief that good news brings, likening it to the life-giving refreshment of cold water to a parched soul. This proverb, part of a collection attributed to Solomon, uses a vivid natural metaphor to convey the deep psychological and emotional satisfaction derived from receiving positive tidings, especially after a period of anxious waiting or uncertainty from a distant source. It underscores the vital importance of communication that nourishes the spirit and alleviates distress, highlighting the restorative power of hope fulfilled.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 25 begins a new section of the book, specifically "These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out" (Proverbs 25:1). This indicates a later compilation and preservation of Solomonic wisdom. The preceding verses in chapter 25 deal with various aspects of wisdom, including humility (Proverbs 25:6-7), conflict resolution (Proverbs 25:8-10), and the power of words (Proverbs 25:11-15). Proverbs 25:25 specifically fits within a series of comparisons and analogies that illustrate moral and practical truths, often using natural phenomena or common human experiences to make a point. For instance, Proverbs 25:20 compares singing songs to a heavy heart to taking away a garment in cold weather or pouring vinegar on soda, highlighting inappropriateness. Proverbs 25:26 speaks of a righteous man falling before the wicked, comparing it to a troubled fountain. The proverb thus stands as a vivid, standalone analogy within a broader collection of wise sayings.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in the semi-arid climate of ancient Israel, water was an indispensable and often scarce resource. Access to "cold waters"—typically from deep wells, springs, or cisterns—was a matter of survival and immense comfort, especially for travelers or laborers enduring the hot sun. The sensation of quenching a deep thirst with cool water was universally understood as profound relief. Furthermore, communication over long distances ("from a far country") was slow, arduous, and fraught with uncertainty. Messengers might take weeks or months to arrive, often facing dangers along the way. News, whether good or bad, was therefore highly anticipated and carried immense weight. The arrival of a messenger from a distant land, bearing positive tidings, would evoke immense joy and emotional revival, akin to the physical restoration brought by water to the thirsty. This context amplifies the proverb's message of the deep satisfaction found in timely and positive communication.
* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Proverbs and biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **satisfaction and refreshment**, illustrating how certain experiences or information can bring profound inner peace and revival, much like physical sustenance. This resonates with the broader biblical concept of God as the source of true satisfaction, as seen in passages like [Psalm 42:1-2](/psalms/42-1 "Psalm 42:1-2 - Longing for God"). Secondly, it highlights the **power of words and communication**. Proverbs frequently addresses the impact of speech, both positive and negative (e.g., [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of Life and Death in the Tongue")). Here, "good news" is presented as a life-giving force, capable of alleviating anxiety and bringing joy. Finally, the proverb touches upon the theme of **hope fulfilled**. The "far country" implies a period of waiting, perhaps uncertainty or even fear. The arrival of good news signifies the joyous resolution of this waiting, a fulfillment of anticipation that brings immense relief. This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's promises being fulfilled, bringing hope to His people, as described in [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cold (Hebrew, _qar'_):** From an unused root meaning "to chill," this word denotes coolness or a refreshing temperature. Figuratively, it can also imply quietness or excellence. In this context, it emphasizes the invigorating and soothing quality of the water, not just its mere presence, but its ability to provide deep relief and invigoration to a parched body.
* **thirsty (Hebrew, _ʻâyêph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to languish" or "to faint," this term describes a state of extreme physical need for water. It conveys not just a mild desire but a profound, debilitating thirst that leaves one weary and faint. This intensifies the analogy, emphasizing the dire need that the "cold waters" (and by extension, "good news") so perfectly address.
* **news (Hebrew, _shᵉmûwʻâh'_):** This feminine passive participle means "something heard," an "announcement," "report," or "tidings." It refers to information or a message that has been communicated. The addition of "good" (Hebrew, _ṭôwb_) qualifies it as a positive, beneficial, or pleasant report, underscoring its comforting and uplifting nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As cold waters to a thirsty soul":** This initial clause establishes the first part of the analogy, drawing on a universally understood human experience. It evokes the profound physical relief and invigoration that cool, refreshing water brings to someone suffering from intense thirst. The use of "soul" (Hebrew, _nephesh_) here refers not just to the spiritual essence but to the whole person, including their physical being and desires, emphasizing the deep, holistic satisfaction.
* **"so is good news from a far country.":** This clause completes the analogy, equating the physical refreshment of water with the emotional and psychological refreshment of "good news." The phrase "from a far country" adds a layer of significance: it implies a long period of waiting, uncertainty, or even anxiety, making the arrival of positive tidings even more impactful and relieving. It suggests news that was eagerly anticipated and brings an end to a period of concern.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Proverbs 25:25 is **Simile**. The verse explicitly uses the comparative "As... so..." structure to draw a direct parallel between two seemingly disparate experiences: the physical relief of drinking cold water when thirsty and the emotional relief of receiving good news from a distant place. This **Analogy** is highly effective because both sides of the comparison evoke a profound sense of satisfaction and restoration after a period of intense need or longing. The imagery of "cold waters" appeals to a visceral, universal human experience of physical desperation and immediate gratification, making the abstract concept of "good news" tangible and relatable. The phrase "from a far country" adds an element of **Anticipation** and **Relief**, amplifying the joy of the news by implying a long wait or a period of uncertainty. This vivid comparison enhances the proverb's memorability and its ability to convey a deep truth about the human spirit's need for encouragement and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 25:25 speaks to a fundamental human longing for refreshment and assurance, a longing that finds its ultimate fulfillment in divine provision. The "cold waters" symbolize deep satisfaction, while "good news" points to the power of truth and hope. Theologically, this proverb can be seen as a microcosm of God's gracious provision for His people, offering spiritual refreshment and the "good news" of salvation. Just as physical thirst is a deep need, so too is the spiritual thirst of humanity for meaning, forgiveness, and peace, which only God can truly satisfy. The arrival of good news from a "far country" can also be understood as God's divine communication breaking into the human experience, bringing comfort and direction.

* [Psalm 19:7-8](/psalms/19-7 "Psalm 19:7-8 - The Law of the Lord is Perfect")
* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "Isaiah 55:1 - Invitation to Water")
* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful Are the Feet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This proverb offers a profound insight into the human condition and the power of positive communication. In a world often saturated with negativity, anxiety, and distressing reports, the act of intentionally sharing "good news"—whether it's a word of encouragement, a comforting truth, or a positive update—can be a profoundly restorative act. We are called to be purveyors of hope, to bring "cold waters" to those who are spiritually or emotionally parched. This means actively listening to the needs of others, discerning what kind of "good news" might refresh their soul, and then speaking words that are life-giving and uplifting. It also reminds us to cultivate a posture of gratitude for the good news we receive, recognizing its power to alleviate our own anxieties and revive our spirits. Furthermore, it challenges us to consider what "far country" our own good news might come from, prompting us to look beyond immediate circumstances for ultimate hope and refreshment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "thirsty souls" in my life could benefit from "cold waters" of good news today?**
* **How can I be more intentional about sharing encouraging and life-giving words with others?**
* **What sources of "good news" do I rely on to refresh my own soul when I feel parched or anxious?**
* **In what ways does this proverb challenge my perspective on the power and responsibility of my own communication?**

### FAQ

**What does "cold waters to a thirsty soul" truly mean in this proverb?**

Answer: This phrase is a vivid metaphor for profound physical relief and satisfaction. In the ancient Near East, where water was precious and often scarce, especially cool, refreshing water, it represented the ultimate quenching of a deep, debilitating thirst. To a "thirsty soul" (Hebrew _nephesh_, referring to the whole person, including their vital desires and physical being), cold water brings immediate and immense revitalization. The proverb uses this universally understood sensation to illustrate the equally profound emotional and psychological relief brought by good news.

**Why is "from a far country" significant in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "from a far country" adds a crucial layer of meaning by emphasizing the context of the good news. In ancient times, communication over long distances was slow, uncertain, and often dangerous. News from a "far country" would have been highly anticipated, and its arrival, especially if it was good, would signify the end of a period of anxious waiting, uncertainty, or even fear. This makes the "good news" even more impactful and refreshing, akin to the long-awaited and desperately needed cold water. It highlights the fulfillment of hope after a period of longing, much like the anticipation for the return of a loved one or the resolution of a distant conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 25:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the source of all true "cold waters" and the embodiment of "good news from a far country." Humanity, parched by sin and alienated from God, is a "thirsty soul" desperately in need of spiritual refreshment. Jesus declares, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to Drink")). He offers living water that eternally quenches the deepest spiritual thirst, as He promised the Samaritan woman at the well ([John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Living Water")). The "good news from a far country" is none other than the **Gospel**—the "good news" (Greek _euangelion_) of salvation, reconciliation, and eternal life through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. This news originates not from a distant earthly land, but from the "far country" of heaven, brought to us by God Himself through His Son. It is the message that brings unparalleled joy, peace, and revival to a world languishing in spiritual drought and despair. The apostles were sent to proclaim this "good news" to all nations ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - The Great Commission")), and it remains the ultimate source of refreshment for every soul that believes, transforming anxiety into hope and despair into everlasting life ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

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 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?