Faithful Messenger Restores Hope, False Messenger Takes Hope Away – (Proverbs 25:13-14)
Daily Proverbs
Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters. Whoever falsely boasts of giving Is like clouds and wind without rain.
Daily Bible Study
During the time when this proverb was written mankind lived in an agrarian culture. And society was more deeply tied to the signs of the weather and the seasons of the year. So these analogies used in God's word gave real meaning to the people of the time as they depended on the weather and the seasons. The time for harvest in ancient Israel ran from June through September. This was during the hottest times of the year and farmers had to work with hard physical labor under the scorching sun of the day. So the metaphor of a cooling snow in the middle of summer carried with it the idea of refreshing relief and restoration from the oppressive heat.
The same could be said of a faithful messenger, because the sight of his presence brought hope fulfilled in his message. This is in contrast to the false messenger, who like skies with cloudy conditions that promised rain, but the rain never came, were useless. So is the false messenger who claims a message of hope which is never fulfilled in his message. So too is the person who boasts in themselves, but never gives back to others. This is because our love for others is evident in the day to day expressions of giving, which mark the life of a child of God. We must remember as followers of Jesus, we are called to use our time, talents and resources to further the spread of the Gospel and help others. Because of our faith in Christ, we are blessed by God in order that we ourselves can be a blessing to others.