Be Summer Snow

(Proverbs 25:13 KJV)  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.

I think this is a reference to the privileges known only to the very rich in that day.  Refrigeration did not exist for anyone in ancient times.  One of the perks of the kings was to have teams of runners carrying snow from the tops of mountains to the palace so that the monarch could enjoy a cold drink.  It was repulsively expensive and exclusive.  The common person would have never experienced such a thing.

I wonder if this implies that a “faithful” (539) “messenger” (6735a) is that rare.  Many people were illiterate so the messenger had immense power.  The temptation to change the message and the reality of imperfect memory could cause real problems.

So?  We are called to be honest and reliable.  It is part of being a Christian.  For many that is so obvious it is silly to bring it up but remember there is a reason why the Bible repeats the call to honesty and hard work so many times.  It isn’t because of a lack of other important issues.  It is because it is a vital foundation.