“A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing.” (Proverbs 13:17-21, NASB)

I have titled today’s devotional: “Be contagious for righteousness.” Doing good is contagious, meaning it can pass from person to person. At the same time, doing wrong is also contagious. When we think about doing the right thing, we often view it as a private choice and a matter of personal concern. We think our actions only affect ourselves, but they do not. We know that they can affect others around us. We even call people who do such things on YouTube, Instagram, and other social media platforms “influencers.” They are, in a way, contagious with their lifestyle. As believers, we are to be contagious with a godly lifestyle, reflecting God’s goodness, love, compassion, and holiness. Here is the thought that came to my mind today. It says,

“A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing. Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored. Desire realized is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Adversity pursues sinners, but the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.”

Lifestyle is contagious. Whether we realize it or not, the way we live can influence others around us. Verse 17 says, “A wicked messenger falls into adversity, but a faithful envoy brings healing.” We are either spreading a sickness or carrying a cure. We are either a messenger of sin and its consequences or an envoy of healing and deliverance from sin. Consider the two paths laid out here. First, there is the “wicked messenger.” A messenger is someone who carries a message from its sender. If the sender is a good person, the message will be good. If the sender is wicked, then the message will be evil as well. The first messenger describes the former, noting that he “neglects discipline,” refuses to “depart from evil,” and that “adversity” remains with them. Bad habits and bad attitudes spread easily. The second path is that of a “faithful envoy.” This is a messenger sent by a good sender and will carry a message of truth, goodness, and love. Their words and actions will bring peace. They make people feel hopeful and courageous and inspire them to do the right thing.

Verse 20 describes it perfectly: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Just like a bad attitude can spread, good character can spread too. When we choose to be kind, honest, and faithful, we help heal the people around us from the effects of a sinful lifestyle. Apostle Paul writes, “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘ Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom.12:17-21). Apostle Peter also adds, “To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1 Pet.3:8-9).

There are way too many messengers of evil in the world, and it seems to be increasing each day. However, our calling as followers of Christ is clear, and we are to obey it faithfully and be contagious for the righteousness of God. We are to be the salt of the world so that we prevent decay and rot. We are to be lights in the world so that we can shine the way when darkness casts its shadow. We are to be agents of restraint, keeping the evil one at bay. You are either an envoy of God’s righteousness or a messenger of His enemy. Therefore, consider carefully the impact you are making and choose to be contagious for righteousness.

• What do you think Solomon meant by “wicked messenger” and “faithful envoy?”
• What are some practical ways that Christians can counter the message of sin and evil that is being promoted today?