“Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest”: It is perhaps possible that snow in high elevations might fall in harvest season, which is in mid-summer in that part of the world, but this is highly unlikely. However, “cold snow” may also be taken as the taste of refreshing cold water from a spring. See Good News Translation. “The time of harvest” is literally “on a harvest day.” The contrast between “cold snow” and “a harvest day” is between cold and hot; and in translation it is often necessary to make this contrast clear; for example, Bible en français courant says “During the heat of a harvest day fresh water is refreshing.”

“Is a faithful messenger to those who send him”: For “a faithful messenger” see 13.17, where Revised Standard Version translates it “a faithful envoy.” The faithful messenger carries out his responsibility to the great satisfaction of those who send him.

“He refreshes the spirit of his masters”: This line appears to be a comment added by a scribe; however, Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives it an “A” rating. “Refreshes the spirit” is literally “brings back to life.” It may be expressed as “brings new life” (Revised English Bible) or “revive the spirit” (New Living Translation). “His masters” is best taken as referring to the same people as “those who send him”. For a model translation of this verse see Good News Translation.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .