Bible Strands
Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom writer addresses learners in a collection of parental instructions, positioning the verse between observations on prudent action and the consequences of ignoring discipline.
The words — מַלְאָךְ (mal.'Akh) = messenger and אֱמוּנִ֣ים ('e.mu.Nim) = faithful ones.
The thread — The contrast between wicked and faithful messengers runs through Proverbs 25:13, Ezekiel 33:7, and 1 Corinthians 4:2.
Why it lands — The text demands a choice between wickedness and faithfulness in delegated tasks, stating plainly that character determines whether one brings trouble or healing to those they represent.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 25:13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
- Ezekiel 33:7 As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
- 2 Corinthians 5:20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.
- 1 Timothy 1:12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service.
- Ezekiel 3:18 If I say to the wicked man, ‘You will surely die,’ but you do not warn him or speak out to warn him from his wicked way to save his life, that wicked man will die in his iniquity, and I will hold you responsible for his blood.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.
- Proverbs 10:26 Like vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the slacker to those who send him.
- Proverbs 25:23 As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks.
- Proverbs 26:6 Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.