Proverbs 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →A corrupt messenger brings disaster; a faithful envoy brings healing.
The Context of Proverbs 13:17
Illustrates how trustworthiness or betrayal in communication shapes outcomes.
What Does Proverbs 13:17 Mean?
A wicked messenger—someone who distorts, betrays, or misuses the message entrusted to them—falls into mischief. Whether through malice or negligence, they undermine the mission they carry. Their unfaithfulness creates chaos, broken trust, and damage to all parties.
A faithful ambassador, by contrast, is health. Fidelity to one's task, truthful conveyance of the message, and integrity in representing another's interests heals divisions, builds trust, and restores relationships. A faithful intermediary is a blessing, bringing wholeness where corruption would bring destruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 13:17
What does Proverbs 13:17 mean?
A corrupt messenger brings disaster; a faithful envoy brings healing.
What is the context of Proverbs 13:17?
Illustrates how trustworthiness or betrayal in communication shapes outcomes.