diff --git a/ethwire/messaging.go b/ethwire/messaging.go
index 651bf4710..185faa341 100644
--- a/ethwire/messaging.go
+++ b/ethwire/messaging.go
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ var MagicToken = []byte{34, 64, 8, 145}
 type MsgType byte
 
 const (
+	// Values are given explicitly instead of by iota because these values are
+	// defined by the wire protocol spec; it is easier for humans to ensure
+	// correctness when values are explicit.
 	MsgHandshakeTy  = 0x00
 	MsgDiscTy       = 0x01
 	MsgPingTy       = 0x02
diff --git a/peer.go b/peer.go
index e64b5b3bd..a6481e10c 100644
--- a/peer.go
+++ b/peer.go
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ const (
 type DiscReason byte
 
 const (
+	// Values are given explicitly instead of by iota because these values are
+	// defined by the wire protocol spec; it is easier for humans to ensure
+	// correctness when values are explicit.
 	DiscReRequested  = 0x00
 	DiscReTcpSysErr  = 0x01
 	DiscBadProto     = 0x02