Key Verse Spotlight
Proverbs 13:17 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: King James Version
" A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. "
Proverbs 13:17
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.
16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.
19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.
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Here we see two things, the bad result of betraying a trust, and the good result of faithful service. A wicked messenger, someone sent to handle business but false to the one who sent him, may reveal private plans and ruin the work he was sent to do. Such a person cannot expect to prosper, but will surely fall into trouble, be found out, and be punished. Nothing is more hated by God and people than treachery from someone who was trusted.
On the other hand, a faithful ambassador, a person who carries out his charge honestly and supports the interests of those who sent him, is like health. He brings peace between people, helps settle disagreements, and keeps good understanding alive. He is also a benefit to himself, because he protects his own well-being and standing. This applies to ministers, Christ's messengers and ambassadors. Those who are false to Christ and to the souls of men do harm and come to harm, but those who are faithful will find that their true words heal others and also help themselves.
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From This Chapter
Proverbs 13:1
"A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke."
Proverbs 13:2
"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
Proverbs 13:3
"He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction."
Proverbs 13:4
"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat."
Proverbs 13:5
"A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame."
Proverbs 13:6
"Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner."
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