ESV Reformation Study Bible – Pr 13:17
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Pr 13:17

13:17 wicked messenger. One who brings a deceitful message.

trouble. Or, “misfortune.” Such a messenger was the Amalekite who, hoping to win favor from David, falsely claimed to have killed Saul, but was executed for his trouble (2 Sam. 1:1–16). The parallel statements of this proverb suggest that the faithful messenger, perhaps an envoy, promotes the welfare of others.