Proverbs 25:13
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The imagery of "cold of snow in the time of harvest" isn't about a literal snowstorm during harvest, which would be disastrous. Instead, it points to the preservation of snow from cooler seasons to be used for cooling drinks in the intense heat, offering a specific, life-giving refreshment when it's most needed. This highlights how a faithful messenger doesn't just bring news, but delivers crucial relief and satisfaction that truly restores the weary soul of their master.
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb is part of a larger collection attributed to Solomon, meant to offer practical wisdom for daily life and governance. It appears after verses about avoiding boasting and seeking out wise counsel, setting up a thought about the importance of reliable communication. The passage continues with other comparisons, like a fool's speech or a king's scrutiny, all emphasizing the impact of words and actions.
Imagine working under a blazing sun, the air thick with heat. Then, a cool drink arrives, tasting like the crispness of a snowy day. This isn't magic; it's a brilliant ancient strategy for relief.
The proverb uses a powerful image: the 'cold of snow in the time of harvest.' This isn't about snow falling during harvest, which would be a disaster! Instead, it refers to the practice in hot climates of preserving snow from cooler seasons, often in underground cellars, to chill drinks during the heat of summer harvest.
Why is a reliable messenger so valuable, especially when things are hectic? This verse reveals that their faithfulness brings more than just information; it brings deep peace.
The comparison extends directly: 'so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.' When someone is away on an important mission, their employer or sender is often filled with anxiety and uncertainty.
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Understand the original words
ṣîr ʾĕmûnîm · Hebrew Noun phrase
One who is reliable, true, and steadfast in carrying out a commission. A faithful person consistently reflects the character and commands of the one they represent.
nepeš · Hebrew Noun
The inner life, personality, or life force of a person; the seat of desires, emotions, and the capacity for spiritual revitalization.
This proverb directly contrasts a faithful messenger with a wicked one, highlighting the value and reliability of the former, much like our passage emphasizes the refreshing nature of faithfulness.
Proverbs 10:26This verse presents a contrast, stating that 'a sluggard is like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes.' It indirectly emphasizes how a faithful messenger, unlike these negative images, brings true refreshment and relief.
1 Samuel 10:2Here, Samuel tells Saul that he will meet messengers who have been to Bethel, indicating the importance and commonality of sending and receiving messages for crucial information, mirroring the context of sending a messenger in Proverbs.
1 Samuel 25:6This passage describes David instructing his servants to greet Nabal with words of peace and prosperity, showing how messengers were used to convey vital information and goodwill that could deeply affect the recipient's state of mind.
Luke 1:19The angel Gabriel identifies himself to Zechariah as one who stands in the presence of God, sent to speak and bring this good news. This highlights the divine authority and immense refreshment that a messenger from God brings.
pooleProverbs 25:13: "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."
As the cold of snow; either, 1. As drink cooled with ice or snow, as was and is usual in hot countries. Or, 2. As a cool air, such as is in snowy seasons. Or, 3. As drink which is as cold as snow. He refresheth the soul of his masters, with a true account and speedy despatch of those important affairs which were committed to him.
gillProverbs 25:13: "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."
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,.... As water as cold as snow; or as a breeze of air, such as in a time of snow; and so Jarchi, "as the cold of the days of snow, which a man desires in summer, and not snow simply, for snow itself is not good in the time of harvest;'' see Proverbs 24:1. Or rather "as a shield" or "covering of snow"…
The imagery of "cold of snow in the time of harvest" isn't about a literal snowstorm during harvest, which would be disastrous. Instead, it points to the preservation of snow from cooler seasons to be used for cooling drinks in the intense heat, offering a specific, life-giving refreshment when it's most needed. This highlights how a faithful messenger doesn't just bring news, but delivers crucial relief and satisfaction that truly restores the weary soul of their master.
This proverb is part of a larger collection attributed to Solomon, meant to offer practical wisdom for daily life and governance. It appears after verses about avoiding boasting and seeking out wise counsel, setting up a thought about the importance of reliable communication. The passage continues with other comparisons, like a fool's speech or a king's scrutiny, all emphasizing the impact of words and actions.
This proverb is part of a larger collection attributed to Solomon, meant to offer practical wisdom for daily life and governance. It appears after verses about avoiding boasting and seeking out wise counsel, setting up a thought about the importance of reliable communication. The passage continues with other comparisons, like a fool's speech or a king's scrutiny, all emphasizing the impact of words and actions.
"Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters." — The imagery of "cold of snow in the time of harvest" isn't about a literal snowstorm during harvest, which would be disastrous. Instead, it points to the preservation of snow from cooler seasons to…
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Last reviewed October 2026
