Meditations at the Mercy Seat Proverbs 25:13-19 Advice for Kings & Leaders Part 3

Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Proverbs 25:13–19

[13] Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest

is a faithful messenger to those who send him;

he refreshes the soul of his masters.

[14] Like clouds and wind without rain

is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

[15] With patience a ruler may be persuaded,

and a soft tongue will break a bone.

[16] If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,

lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.

[17] Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor’s house,

lest he have his fill of you and hate you.

[18] A man who bears false witness against his neighbor

is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.

[19] Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble

is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. (ESV)

Advice for Kings and Leaders Part 3

v.13 Many scholars at different times have debated the meaning of this proverb because of the unusual scene depicted: snow during harvest time. Most likely, it does not refer to a freak snow occurring during the harvest, for such a temperature drop would be detrimental to the crops. Rather, it more probably depicts a gracious landowner of means who sends servants into the mountains to fetch snow from the mountains and bring it down to cool his workers. Likewise, a messenger who can be trusted to be faithful in his duties and represent his master's business well is like such a cool, refreshing treat. Every faithful proclaimer of the Word of God will be thus commended on the last day (Matthew 10:40-42; 1 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 5:20).

v.14 This verse is connected to the previous by the theme of weather. Here, rain is critical to agricultural success. Many parts of ancient Palestine did not receive adequate rainfall. A cloud that looked like it was bringing much-needed rain but did not was an enormous disappointment. So also is someone who makes promises but never delivers on them.

v.15 Patience is such a powerful virtue that it can even convince an otherwise reluctant ruler to see a matter in the way a persistent petitioner who continues to come to him does (1 Peter 2:17-25; 4:14-19). The "soft tongue," which can "break a bone," refers to a gentle answer given with respect that can deflect another's hostility. A loving tongue that preaches the Gospel is stronger than a lion's jaws (Matthew 8:8, 16; John 4:50; Acts 3:6).

v.16 Moderation in all things is a virtue. Overindulgence in any good thing can transform it into something uncomfortable or even harmful.

v.17 This proverb is connected to the previous by the idea of having one's fill of something. Here, the topic is moderation in visiting your neighbor and imposing on his hospitality too often. We are cautioned not to overstay our welcome.

v.18 A false witness brings destruction like a weapon of war. Indiscriminate words can bludgeon like a club, pierce like an arrow, or cut like a sword. In every case, the wound of false witness can bring fatal damage to another’s reputation.

v.19 Faithfulness is required not only in good times but especially in times of trouble. One who cannot be counted on in a crisis is as painful as a bad tooth or as useless as a lame foot, for someone has put trust in him at such a critical time as this. "A friend in need is a friend indeed."