Proverbs 13:17
Proverbs 13:17 in Multiple Translations
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.
A man taking false news is a cause of trouble, but he who gives news rightly makes things well.
A bad messenger creates trouble, but a faithful representative brings healing.
A wicked messenger falleth into euill: but a faithfull ambassadour is preseruation.
A wicked messenger falleth into evil, And a faithful ambassador is healing.
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful embassador is health.
The messenger of the wicked shall fall into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
Messengers who are not reliable cause trouble, but those who faithfully deliver their messages cause people to act peacefully.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 13:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 13:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
רָ֭שָׁע
יִפֹּ֣ל
בְּ/רָ֑ע
וְ/צִ֖יר
אֱמוּנִ֣ים
מַרְפֵּֽא
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-ms
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
יִפֹּ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | Adj
וְ/צִ֖יר
tsîyr
H6735
envoy
Conj | N-ms
אֱמוּנִ֣ים
ʼêmûwn
H529
faithful
N-mp
מַרְפֵּֽא
marpêʼ
H4832
healing
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 13:17
מַלְאָ֣ךְ
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-ms
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
רָ֭שָׁע
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
יִפֹּ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
בְּ/רָ֑ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
וְ/צִ֖יר
tsîyr
H6735
"envoy"
Conj | N-ms
A pang refers to a sharp feeling of pain or distress, like the sorrow felt by King David in Psalm 55:4. It can also mean a messenger or ambassador, like the ones sent by King Solomon in 1 Kings 5:8.
Definition: envoy, messenger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, hinge, messenger, pain, pang, sorrow. Compare H6736 (צִיר). See also: 1 Samuel 4:19; Isaiah 18:2; Proverbs 13:17.
אֱמוּנִ֣ים
ʼêmûwn
H529
"faithful"
N-mp
Faithful means being trustworthy and reliable, like God's promises in the Bible. It describes someone who is loyal and true to their word. This word is used in the Old Testament to describe God's faithfulness.
Definition: 1) faithfulness, trusting 1a) faithful, trusty (as adj.)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: faith(-ful), truth. See also: Deuteronomy 32:20; Proverbs 14:5; Proverbs 13:17.
מַרְפֵּֽא
marpêʼ
H4832
"healing"
N-ms
Means healing or a cure, like medicine. It can also mean deliverance or a state of being calm and peaceful. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical and emotional healing.
Definition: 1) health, healing, cure 1a) healing, cure 1b) health, profit, sound (of mind) 1c) healing 1c1) incurable (with negative)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (in-)cure(-able), healing(-lth), remedy, sound, wholesome, yielding. See also: 2 Chronicles 21:18; Proverbs 15:4; Proverbs 4:22.
Study Notes — Proverbs 13:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 13:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
- Sermons on Proverbs 13:17
Context — A Father’s Discipline
15Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the faithless is difficult.
16Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool displays his folly.
17A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored. 19Desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but turning from evil is detestable to fools.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 4:2 | Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | Ezekiel 33:7–8 | 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. If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. |
| 5 | 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. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 1:12 | I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. |
| 8 | Proverbs 25:23 | As the north wind brings forth rain, so a backbiting tongue brings angry looks. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 23:28 | Let the prophet who has a dream retell it, but let him who has My word speak it truthfully. For what is straw compared to grain?” declares the LORD. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 23:13–16 | “Among the prophets of Samaria I saw an offensive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led My people Israel astray. And among the prophets of Jerusalem I have seen a horrible thing: They commit adultery and walk in lies. They strengthen the hands of evildoers, so that no one turns his back on wickedness. They are all like Sodom to Me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.” Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says concerning the prophets: “I will feed them wormwood and give them poisoned water to drink, for from the prophets of Jerusalem ungodliness has spread throughout the land.” This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD. |
Proverbs 13:17 Summary
Proverbs 13:17 teaches us that the words we speak can either bring trouble or healing to ourselves and others. When we speak truthfully and reliably, like a faithful envoy, we can bring healing and life to those around us, as seen in Proverbs 12:18. On the other hand, when we speak falsely or misleadingly, like a wicked messenger, we can fall into trouble and harm others, as warned in Proverbs 26:27. By speaking the truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 instructs, we can be faithful envoys and bring healing to those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a wicked messenger in Proverbs 13:17?
A wicked messenger is someone who delivers false or misleading information, much like the false prophets in Jeremiah 23:16-17, and this can lead to trouble for themselves and others. In contrast, a faithful envoy brings healing by speaking truthfully and reliably, as seen in Proverbs 12:18.
How can I be a faithful envoy like the one described in Proverbs 13:17?
To be a faithful envoy, you must speak the truth in love, as Ephesians 4:15 instructs, and be a reliable and trustworthy messenger, just like the apostles in Acts 4:31 who spoke boldly and faithfully for God.
What kind of trouble can a wicked messenger fall into?
A wicked messenger can fall into various kinds of trouble, including physical harm, relational damage, and spiritual condemnation, as warned in Proverbs 26:27 and Revelation 21:8.
Is being a faithful envoy only for certain people, like preachers or leaders?
No, being a faithful envoy is for anyone who claims to follow God, as we are all called to be ambassadors for Christ, as 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, and to speak the truth in love to those around us, as seen in Colossians 4:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have been a faithful envoy to those around me, and how can I improve in this area?
- How can I ensure that my words are bringing healing and not harm to others, as Proverbs 13:17 suggests?
- What are some common temptations or pressures that might cause me to be a wicked messenger, and how can I resist them?
- In what ways can I use my words to bring life and encouragement to those around me, as Proverbs 15:4 and Ephesians 4:29 encourage?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief,.... That does not do his errand right, nor deliver his message faithfully; such an one falls from the degree of honour in which he was into disgrace; he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger, who is unfaithful in the execution of that which is committed to his charge, as appears by the opposite clause, falleth into mischief; shall not escape punishment from God, or from them who sent him. Is health; or, wholesome; procureth safety and benefit, as to his master, so also to himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.Ver. 17. A wicked messenger falleth into mischief.] Incurs the displeasure and just revenge of them that sent him, or, at least, of God, in case of his slackness. How much more then wicked ministers, those "messengers of the Churches," that do the Lord’ s work "negligently," that "corrupt" his message, that huckster it and handle it craftily and covetously, calling good evil, and evil good, &c.? "Who is blind but my servant? or deaf as my messenger?" Such an ambassador was once worthily derided in the Roman state. As at another time, a certain stranger coming on embassy to the senators of Rome, and colouring his hoary hair and pale cheeks with vermilion hue, a grave senator, espying the deceit, stood up and said, ‘ What sincerity are we to expect at this man’ s hands, whose locks, and looks, and lips do lie?’ It was an honest complaint of a Popish writer, We, saith he, handle the Scripture, tantum ut nos pascat et vestiat, that we may pick a living out of it, and are therefore fain to preach placentia, pleasingly and so to put men into a fool’ s paradise. But "shall they" thus "escape by iniquity?" have they no better doctors? But a faithful ambassador is health.] To him that sendeth him, to those he is sent to, and to himself. So is a faithful minister that delivers "the whole counsel of God"; all that he hath in commission. καπηλενειν.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
(17) Falleth into mischief.—And brings those also who sent him into trouble; but “a faithful messenger is health” both to himself and his employers.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
Verse 17. A wicked messenger] The Septuagint: βασιλευςθρασυες, a bold king; instead of מלאך malach, a messenger, they had read מלך melech, a king: but they are singular in this rendering; none of the other versions have it so. He that betrays the counsels of his government, or the interests of his country, will sooner or later fall into mischief; but he that faithfully and loyally fulfils his mission, shall produce honour and safety to the commonwealth.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 13:17
17. falleth] Hitzig and others, by a slight change of vowels, read bringeth, sc. those who sent him, which contrasts better with the bringing of health, or well-being by the faithful messenger. Comp. Proverbs 25:13. mischief] Rather, evil, R.V. This proverb must be read in the light of the then common employment of messengers charged with verbal tidings or instructions. The message would in such case depend greatly for its colour and consequences upon the character of the messenger.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 13:17
17. A wicked messenger… mischief — A bad one, either ignorant or neglectful, makes trouble for himself and those who send him. But a faithful ambassador — Hebrew, messenger of fidelities, is health, or healing.
Sermons on Proverbs 13:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Faithfulness by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highli |
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(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
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Through the Bible - 1 Corinthians - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being faithful stewards of Christ. He highlights the need to do what God has specifically called us to do, rather than gett |
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Winning God's Approval - Part 7 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving the Lord sacrificially and unselfishly. He highlights the need for believers to listen to God and do what He tells |
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Listening, Unburdening and Worshipping by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a disciplined tongue and using words to help needy people. He encourages listeners to wake up in the morning and lis |
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Understanding Dead Works by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and following God's ways as demonstrated by Jesus. It highlights the need to listen to God, wait on Him, and do exactly as He |
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Paul Before Agrippa - Part 4 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of faithfulness, constancy, and stability in relationships, drawing parallels between human vows and God's faithfulness. It highlights the nee |