What does Proverbs 25:25 mean?
ESV: Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
NIV: Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.
NASB: Like cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a distant land.
CSB: Good news from a distant land is like cold water to a parched throat.
NLT: Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.
KJV: As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
NKJV: As cold water to a weary soul, So is good news from a far country.
Verse Commentary:
Modern persons are used to fast, easy communication. In fact, we are often frustrated when we cannot get immediate answers. Those living in the ancient world often needed to wait hours, days, or even years to hear answers to some questions. Most messages traveled only as fast as a person could move. Solomon (Proverbs 25:1) conducted trade with foreign countries and dispatched ambassadors to them. The relief of hearing good news, after an extended period of waiting and wondering, is compared to how cool water refreshes when one is thirsty.
Missionaries like Paul would have been overjoyed when messengers returned with good news. At one point in his missionary travels, Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus so they could know how Paul and his companions were "and that he may encourage [the Ephesians'] hearts" (Ephesians 6:21–22). He also planned to send Timothy to Philippi to collect good news about the believers there. Timothy would return to Paul with that good news, and it would encourage Paul (Philippians 2:19–23). In the meantime, he sent Epaphroditus to the Philippians, because Epaphroditus had been longing for them and was distressed because the Philippians had heard he was ill (Philippians 2:25–26, 28).
The following proverb (Proverbs 25:26) contrasts this comparison by mentioning dirty waters; these do not refresh, they only frustrate.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 25:15–28 provides sound counsel about personal relationships. Most of the teachings involve the best way to interact with others, whether they are friends, enemies, spouses, or strangers. Also included are suggestions about self-control.
Chapter Summary:
This chapter includes more statements from Solomon, copied by scribes of King Hezekiah many years later. The first section speaks about the risks of arrogance. The next gives comparisons which teach spiritual lessons. The last segment teaches about relationships, reputation, and self-control.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 25 begins to relate more wise statements from Solomon. Depending on where they are divided or combined, these amount to around one hundred portions of godly wisdom. These were compiled and added about 250 years after Solomon's reign by men under the direction of King Hezekiah. The phrasing used in verse 1 suggests these were copied from other records into the scrolls associated with the prior proverbs. This collection runs through the end of chapter 29.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
Accessed 5/3/2024 5:07:03 PM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
