Proverbs 13:17

15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

16 Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.

A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul: but it is abomination to fools to depart from evil.

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.
KJV
A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health.
WEB
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
ASV
A wicked messenger falleth into evil; But a faithful ambassador is health.
DARBY
A wicked messenger falleth into evil; but a faithful ambassador is health.
BLB
A wicked messenger falls into evil, and an envoy of faithfulness [is] healing.
ÅB
Et ugudelig sendebud faller i ulykke, men et trofast bud er legedom.
OTB
En ond budbringer møter ulykke, men en pålitelig sendebud bringer helbredelse.
B1930
Et ugudelig sendebud faller i ulykke, men et trofast bud er lægedom.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Proverbs 25:13

    As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.

    Read in context
  • 2 Corinthians 5:20

    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 4:2

    Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

    Read in context
  • 1 Timothy 1:12

    And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 33:7–8

    So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.

    Read in context
  • Ezekiel 3:18

    When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.

    Read in context
  • 2 Timothy 2:2

    And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

    Read in context
  • Proverbs 26:6

    He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.

    Read in context