Proverbs 15:23
¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!
A man {H376} hath joy {H8057} by the answer {H4617} of his mouth {H6310}: and a word {H1697} spoken in due season {H6256}, how good {H2896} is it!
People take pleasure in anything they say; but a word at the right time, how good it is!
A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
Cross-References
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Isaiah 50:4 (14 votes)
¶ The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to [him that is] weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned. -
Proverbs 25:11 (12 votes)
¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver. -
Proverbs 25:12 (12 votes)
[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear. -
Proverbs 12:14 (9 votes)
¶ A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him. -
Ephesians 4:29 (9 votes)
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. -
Proverbs 16:13 (8 votes)
¶ Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right. -
Proverbs 24:26 (6 votes)
[Every man] shall kiss [his] lips that giveth a right answer.
Commentary
Proverbs 15:23 highlights the profound joy and immense value found in timely and appropriate communication. It emphasizes that a well-placed word, delivered at the opportune moment, can bring significant satisfaction and positive results.
Context
The Book of Proverbs is a collection of wisdom sayings, primarily attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical wisdom for daily living. It often contrasts the path of the wise with that of the foolish, with a significant emphasis on the power and proper use of the tongue. This verse fits within a larger section that discusses the effects of words, the importance of discretion, and the characteristics of wise speech versus foolish babbling.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase translated as "due season" is 'itto (עִתּוֹ), which means "at its time," "in its appointed season," or "appropriately." This term strongly conveys the idea of perfect timing and suitability, underscoring that the effectiveness and goodness of a word are often contingent upon its delivery at the precise moment it is most needed or will be most effectively received.
Cross-References & Connections
This proverb resonates deeply with other biblical teachings on the power and proper use of the tongue. It beautifully echoes the sentiment found in Proverbs 25:11, which states, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver," illustrating the aesthetic beauty and intrinsic value of timely counsel. Similarly, Ephesians 4:29 advises believers to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying," emphasizing the constructive and beneficial purpose of our words. The importance of being "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" is also a related principle found in James 1:19, highlighting the wisdom in restraint and thoughtfulness before speaking.
Practical Application
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