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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Proverbs 15:23
What does Proverbs 15:23 mean?
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Proverbs 15:23
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The verse highlights the deep satisfaction found in the fitting words themselves, not just their outcome. It's about the joy of crafting a truly helpful or comforting response, especially when speaking at just the right moment. This delight in skillful communication is presented as a gift, a testament to the power of a well-placed word.
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This proverb follows discussions on seeking wise counsel and the consequences of foolish advice. It highlights the personal satisfaction a person feels when their words are not only appropriate but also delivered at the perfect moment, whether in a debate or offering guidance. The verse emphasizes the deep joy found in speaking wisely and helpfully, especially contrasted with the harm that ill-timed or foolish words can cause.
Ever felt that surge of satisfaction after saying just the right thing? Proverbs says there's a deep joy in crafting a fitting answer.
This verse celebrates the internal reward of speaking wisely. It's not just about the outcome, but the act of delivering a good response.
Finding Pleasure in Prudence
The joy isn't necessarily from external praise, but from the inner knowledge that you've spoken with skill and truth. It’s the satisfaction of using your words constructively, avoiding the pitfalls of rashness or foolishness.
A Gift from Above
Sometimes, the perfect words just seem to flow. Proverbs suggests we can see this ready response as a gift from God, a testament to His equipping power when we seek to speak with His wisdom.
Some words land like a perfectly timed gift, while others fall flat. What makes a word 'in season' so incredibly good?
The phrase "a word in season" highlights the critical importance of timing and appropriateness in our speech.
More Than Just Words
It's about delivering the right message, at the right moment, in the right way. This applies to advice, encouragement, comfort, or even gentle correction. The effectiveness, and therefore the goodness, of the word is deeply tied to its context.
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Essential for Life
In a world where words can cause so much harm, a word spoken truly "in season" is a profound positive force. It can mend relationships, guide decisions, and bring relief precisely when it's needed most. It's truly a treasure.
This passage describes the scribes and Pharisees who took away the key of knowledge, hindering people from entering God's kingdom, highlighting the negative consequence of withholding or misusing wisdom, which contrasts with the joy of speaking a timely word.
Colossians 4:6This verse directly echoes Proverbs 15:23, stating that our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt, emphasizing the importance of words that are both fitting and beneficial.
Ecclesiastes 3:7This verse speaks of a time to keep silent and a time to speak, reinforcing the wisdom of discerning when a word spoken in due season is appropriate and valuable.
Proverbs 25:11This proverb is a direct parallel, stating that 'a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver,' beautifully illustrating the value and beauty of a well-timed and appropriate word.
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 verse highlights the deep satisfaction found in the fitting words themselves, not just their outcome. It's about the joy of crafting a truly helpful or comforting response, especially when speaking at just the right moment. This delight in skillful communication is presented as a gift, a testament to the power of a well-placed word.
This proverb follows discussions on seeking wise counsel and the consequences of foolish advice. It highlights the personal satisfaction a person feels when their words are not only appropriate but also delivered at the perfect moment, whether in a debate or offering guidance. The verse emphasizes the deep joy found in speaking wisely and helpfully, especially contrasted with the harm that ill-timed or foolish words can cause.
This proverb follows discussions on seeking wise counsel and the consequences of foolish advice. It highlights the personal satisfaction a person feels when their words are not only appropriate but also delivered at the perfect moment, whether in a debate or offering guidance. The verse emphasizes the deep joy found in speaking wisely and helpfully, especially contrasted with the harm that ill-timed or foolish words can cause.
"To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!" — The verse highlights the deep satisfaction found in the fitting words themselves, not just their outcome. It's about the joy of crafting a truly helpful or comforting response, especially when spea…
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Last reviewed October 2026