Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Proverbs 25:25
What does Proverbs 25:25 mean?
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Proverbs 25:25
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The sweetness of "good news from a far country" isn't just about the message itself, but the rarity and difficulty of receiving it in ancient times. Imagine the longing and uncertainty, making that long-awaited word feel as life-giving as cool water to someone completely parched.
Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wise sayings designed to guide practical living and proper conduct. It follows verses that caution against boasting and advise on handling disputes with others. The context highlights the value of thoughtful words and the impact they can have, setting the stage for this observation on the immense relief and joy that welcome tidings can bring, especially when they come from distant, uncertain sources.
Imagine being utterly parched, the kind of thirst that consumes your every thought. What are the 'thirsty souls' in our lives longing for?
This proverb paints a vivid picture of desperate need. The 'thirsty soul' isn't just mildly inconvenienced; they are in a state of profound lack, a deep longing.
A Universal Ache
This thirst can represent many things:
The intensity of the 'cold water' is directly tied to the severity of this thirst. When we are truly in need, any relief feels like a miracle.
In a world of instant updates, why would news from 'a far country' be so intensely cherished?
The value of 'good news from a far country' is amplified by its scarcity and difficulty.
The Long Wait
Think about ancient communication:
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This contrast between the arduous journey of the news and the desperate need of the recipient creates a powerful emotional impact. It's the unexpected blessing, the relief that breaks through a period of anxious waiting.
This proverb’s wisdom stretches beyond everyday relief. What is the most profound 'good news from a far country' ever delivered?
The ancient commentators often saw the highest fulfillment of this proverb in the Gospel message.
Heaven's Message to Earth
Consider the parallels:
This news comes from God, a message of reconciliation and hope delivered across an infinite distance. It is the ultimate refreshment for a soul parched by sin and despair, bringing joy and new life.
Understand the original words
nepheš · Hebrew Noun
The inner person, the seat of life, appetite, and emotions. It signifies the totality of the human person, often highlighting deep needs, desires, and the capacity for spiritual longing.
This verse directly illustrates the proverb, showing how the 'good news' of Joseph being alive revived Jacob's spirit, much like cold water revives a thirsty soul.
Luke 2:10The announcement of Jesus' birth by the angels is the ultimate 'good news from a far country,' as it comes from heaven, offering salvation and hope to a weary world.
Isaiah 52:7This passage describes the beauty of the feet of one who brings good news, highlighting the immense relief and joy that such tidings can bring, mirroring the proverb's imagery.
Romans 10:15This verse connects the idea of 'good news' (the Gospel) with messengers sent from God, emphasizing how precious and impactful these messages are, especially when originating from a divine 'far country'.
pooleProverbs 25:25: "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
Because it comes thither more rarely and difficultly after it hath been long expected and earnestly desired; all which circumstances make it more acceptable.
gillProverbs 25:25: "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country."
As cold waters to a thirsty soul,.... Water is naturally cold; and is by classic writers expressed by "cold" itself (c), and is very refreshing to one athirst through heat: or, "to a weary soul" (d); to one wearied with labour; or to a traveller weary with travelling, especially in hot countries, as in the deserts of Arabia, or in places where it is rare to meet with a brook, stream, or fountain of water; wh…
The sweetness of "good news from a far country" isn't just about the message itself, but the rarity and difficulty of receiving it in ancient times. Imagine the longing and uncertainty, making that long-awaited word feel as life-giving as cool water to someone completely parched.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wise sayings designed to guide practical living and proper conduct. It follows verses that caution against boasting and advise on handling disputes with others. The context highlights the value of thoughtful words and the impact they can have, setting the stage for this observation on the immense relief and joy that welcome tidings can bring, especially when they come from distant, uncertain sources.
This proverb appears amidst a collection of wise sayings designed to guide practical living and proper conduct. It follows verses that caution against boasting and advise on handling disputes with others. The context highlights the value of thoughtful words and the impact they can have, setting the stage for this observation on the immense relief and joy that welcome tidings can bring, especially when they come from distant, uncertain sources.
"Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." — The sweetness of "good news from a far country" isn't just about the message itself, but the rarity and difficulty of receiving it in ancient times. Imagine the longing and uncertainty, making th…
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Last reviewed October 2026