What does Proverbs 15:23 mean?
ESV: To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
NIV: A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
NASB: A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
CSB: A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is!
NLT: Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
KJV: A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
NKJV: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
Verse Commentary:
Solomon writes once again about the value of well-chosen words (Proverbs 15:1–2, 4, 7). He observes that an appropriate answer delights both the hearer and the speaker. The emphasis here is on words which are especially well-timed and fitting to the moment at hand. Not only is it joyful for the person who can give such an answer, it's a blessing to the one who hears. For that to happen, the speaker needs to pursue wisdom (Proverbs 2:1–7) and discernment (Proverbs 15:14; Hebrews 5:14) and the hearer needs to be receptive (Proverbs 5:7; 15:31).
This ideal response might be a word of encouragement, explanation, praise, love, exhortation, or even a word of rebuke. Jesus is the best example of someone whose answers and words brought joy to those who received them. His words brought life, healing, comfort, and hope. Even the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees admitted, "No one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46). Our answers and words, too, should bring joy to those who ask for a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Like the Philippian believers, we ought to hold fast the word of life (Philippians 2:16) and share it with others so they may have an opportunity to know the joy of salvation.
Verse Context:
Proverbs 15:13–30 continues Solomon's contrasting descriptions of the wise and the foolish. In this book, those ideas are associated with accepting or rejecting God's truth, respectively (Proverbs 1:7). He writes about the gladness of the upright, wise person and the depressing existence of the wicked, foolish person. He contrasts attitudes, thoughts, and actions of both kinds of individuals, and he states that the Lord is far from the wicked but close enough to the righteous to hear their prayers.
Chapter Summary:
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control and how those reactions produce different responses from others. That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions. Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it. Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant. Solomon also notes the importance of perspective, and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
Chapter Context:
Chapter 10 began a long list of Solomon's wise sayings. This passage continues to emphasize common themes such as hard work, humility, godly wisdom, and self-control. This extended collection of proverbs continues through much of chapter 22.
Book Summary:
Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.
Accessed 11/21/2024 8:41:42 AM
© Copyright 2002-2024 Got Questions Ministries. All rights reserved.
Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
