Proverbs 15:23
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The real treasure here isn't just giving a good answer, but the personal joy that comes from finding the right words at the right time. It’s that incredible feeling of connection and helpfulness when you offer wisdom that truly lands, like a perfectly timed gift.
This verse follows a discussion about the value of counsel and the dangers of speaking rashly. It highlights the deep satisfaction that comes from offering a well-timed, wise, or comforting word, especially when it helps resolve a problem or bring peace. The focus is on the internal joy and goodness of such communication, whether it's advice or a thoughtful response, rather than just the outcome.
Ever feel a quiet satisfaction when you nail the perfect response? It's more than just being right – it's a deep joy that comes from speaking well.
The verse highlights the personal joy a person experiences from giving an 'apt answer.' This isn't just about correctness, but about skill, wisdom, and the rightness of the response itself.
The Giver's Delight
This joy comes from knowing you've navigated a situation with grace and wisdom. It’s the reward for thinking carefully, avoiding rashness, and bringing clarity or counsel effectively. It’s a good feeling when your words contribute positively, rather than causing harm.
A Gift from Above
Scripture suggests this ability isn't solely ours to generate. The joy can feel like a gift, a testament to God’s work in equipping us to speak thoughtfully, especially when we might otherwise falter.
Sometimes, when you say something is even more important than what you say. Discover the profound impact of speaking at the perfect moment.
The phrase 'a word in season' points to the crucial element of timing in communication. It's about understanding the right moment to offer advice, comfort, or correction.
Speaking into the Need
A word spoken 'in due season' meets a specific need at a specific time. It's not just a generally good statement, but one that lands precisely when it can be most effective or most needed. This requires discernment and attentiveness to circumstances and people.
Beyond Mere Words
This timely word is described as 'how good it is!' This exclamation suggests a value that goes beyond the words themselves. It speaks to the relief, the clarity, the encouragement, or the guidance that such a word provides to the recipient, making it exceptionally valuable.
This passage describes Jesus' teaching, where 'all spoke well of him and marveled at the words of grace that were coming from his mouth,' highlighting the profound positive impact of a well-timed, gracious word.
Colossians 4:6This verse directly parallels the idea of speaking wisely, urging believers that 'your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone,' emphasizing both the content and the manner of speech.
Ecclesiastes 3:1The principle of 'a time for everything' echoes the importance of a 'word in season,' suggesting that the timing of our words is crucial for them to be effective and beneficial.
James 3:10This verse presents a stark contrast, noting that blessing and cursing come from the same mouth, underscoring the great responsibility and potential for both harm and good that our words carry, making timely, apt answers even more valuable.
pulpitProverbs 15:23: "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Verse 23 - A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth. The idea of the preceding verse concerning counsel is maintained. A counsellor gives wise and skilful advice, or makes a timely speech; and, knowing how much harm is done by rash or evil words, he naturally rejoices that he has been able to be useful, and has avoided the errors which the tongue is liable to incur. A word spoken in du…
ellicottProverbs 15:23: "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
(23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth. —So much mischief is done by the tongue, and its slips are so many, that when a man makes a suitable reply, he may well rejoice and look upon it as the gift of God ( Proverbs 16:1 ).
The real treasure here isn't just giving a good answer, but the personal joy that comes from finding the right words at the right time. It’s that incredible feeling of connection and helpfulness when you offer wisdom that truly lands, like a perfectly timed gift.
This verse follows a discussion about the value of counsel and the dangers of speaking rashly. It highlights the deep satisfaction that comes from offering a well-timed, wise, or comforting word, especially when it helps resolve a problem or bring peace. The focus is on the internal joy and goodness of such communication, whether it's advice or a thoughtful response, rather than just the outcome.
This verse follows a discussion about the value of counsel and the dangers of speaking rashly. It highlights the deep satisfaction that comes from offering a well-timed, wise, or comforting word, especially when it helps resolve a problem or bring peace. The focus is on the internal joy and goodness of such communication, whether it's advice or a thoughtful response, rather than just the outcome.
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"To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!" — The real treasure here isn't just giving a good answer, but the personal joy that comes from finding the right words at the right time. It’s that incredible feeling of connection and helpfulness…
