Proverbs 15:23
Proverbs 15:23 in Multiple Translations
A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
A man has joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word at the right time, how good it is!
A good answer makes people happy—it's great to say the right thing at the right moment!
A ioy commeth to a man by the answere of his mouth: and how good is a word in due season?
Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season — how good!
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is !
A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best.
People rejoice when they are able to reply well to what others have asked them; truly, it is very delightful to be able to say the right thing at the right time.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 15:23
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 15:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
לָ֭/אִישׁ
בְּ/מַעֲנֵה
פִ֑י/ו
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
בְּ/עִתּ֣/וֹ
מַה
טּֽוֹב
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
joy
N-fs
לָ֭/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Prep | N-ms
בְּ/מַעֲנֵה
maʻăneh
H4617
answer
Prep | N-ms
פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Conj | N-ms
בְּ/עִתּ֣/וֹ
ʻêth
H6256
time
Prep | N-cs | Suff
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 15:23
שִׂמְחָ֣ה
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
לָ֭/אִישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בְּ/מַעֲנֵה
maʻăneh
H4617
"answer"
Prep | N-ms
This word means a response or answer to something, like a reply to a question. It can be a positive or negative response, and is used in the Bible to describe interactions between people.
Definition: 1) answer, response 2) (TWOT) place for task
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] himself. See also: Job 32:3; Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 15:1.
פִ֑י/ו
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וְ/דָבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Conj | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
בְּ/עִתּ֣/וֹ
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
טּֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Proverbs 15:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 15:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:23
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
- Sermons on Proverbs 15:23
Context — A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
21Folly is joy to one who lacks judgment, but a man of understanding walks a straight path.
22Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.
23A man takes joy in a fitting reply— and how good is a timely word!
24The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol. 25The LORD tears down the house of the proud, but He protects the boundaries of the widow.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 50:4 | The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:11–12 | A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear. |
| 3 | Ephesians 4:29 | Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. |
| 4 | Proverbs 12:14 | By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him. |
| 5 | Proverbs 16:13 | Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved. |
| 6 | Proverbs 24:26 | An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 3:1 | To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 25:32–33 | Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day! Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand. |
Proverbs 15:23 Summary
[Proverbs 15:23 tells us that a man takes joy in a fitting reply, and how good is a timely word, meaning that when we respond to someone in a way that is thoughtful and well-timed, it can bring happiness to both the speaker and the listener, as seen in the encouragement to be swift to hear and slow to speak in James 1:19. This is similar to the idea in Proverbs 12:18, which says that a gentle answer can turn away wrath. By being mindful of the timing and tone of our responses, we can use our words to build others up and bring joy to those around us, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have a 'fitting reply' in Proverbs 15:23?
A fitting reply refers to a response that is appropriate and well-timed, as seen in Proverbs 15:23, bringing joy to the one who gives it, and as encouraged in Proverbs 12:18, a wise and gentle answer can soothe the soul.
Why is a timely word important according to this verse?
A timely word is important because, as stated in Proverbs 15:23, it is good and brings joy, similar to the encouragement found in Ecclesiastes 3:1, that there is a time for everything, and a well-timed word can be a blessing to both the speaker and the listener.
How can I apply the principle of a timely word in my own life?
You can apply the principle of a timely word by being mindful of the timing and tone of your responses, as seen in Proverbs 15:23, and seeking to offer words of encouragement and wisdom, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, to build others up and bring joy to those around you.
What is the relationship between a fitting reply and wisdom?
A fitting reply is closely related to wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 15:23, because it requires discernment and understanding to know when and how to respond, and as stated in James 1:5, wisdom is given by God to those who ask, and a wise person will seek to offer fitting and timely words.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where a timely word could bring joy and encouragement to others?
- How can I balance being truthful with being tactful in my responses to others, as seen in Proverbs 15:23?
- What are some ways I can prepare myself to offer wise and fitting replies in my conversations with others, as encouraged in Proverbs 10:32?
- How can I use my words to build others up and bring joy to those around me, as stated in Ephesians 4:29?
- What are some times when I have experienced the joy of a fitting reply, and how can I learn from those experiences to offer similar joy to others?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth,.... When his advice is asked, and he gives good and wholesome counsel, and that being taken succeeds; it is a pleasure to a man that he is capable of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 15:23
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
By the answer, i.e. by a wise or good and seasonable answer or advice, as is manifest, both from the opposite clause, and from the nature of the thing, because it is manifest and undeniable, that a foolish answer can be no credit nor comfort to the answerer. Thus above, , the way is put for God’ s way; and such synecdoches are frequent in Scripture. A word spoken in due season, counsel or comfort given to another in fit time and manner, how good is it! it is highly acceptable and useful.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
Proverbs 15:23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!Ver. 23. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth.] It reflects comfort upon a man when he hath spoken discreetly to the benefit and good content of others. Some degree of comfort follows every good action, as heat accompanies fire, as beams and influence issue from the sun; which is so true, that very heathens, upon the discharge of a good conscience, have found comfort and peace answerable. A word spoken in due season, how good is it.] One seasonable truth falling on a prepared heart, hath oft a strong and sweet operation. Galeacius was converted by a similitude used by Peter Martyr reading on 1 Corinthians. Junius was reduced from atheism by conference with a countryman of his. Luther, having heard Staupicius say, that that is kind repentance which begins from the love of God, ever after that time the practice of repentance was the sweeter to him. Also this speech of his took well with Luther, Doctrina praedestinationis incipit a vulneribus Christi. The doctrine of predestination begins at Christ’ s wounds. Melanchthon tells how that one time, when Luther, as he was naturally passionate, fell into a great distemper upon some provocation, he quickly quieted him by reciting this verse: - ‘ Vince animos iramque tuam qui caetera vincis.’ At the hearing hereof Luther curbed in his passion, and smiling said, Non volumus de his ampllus, sed de aliis colloqui: We’ ll talk no more of these matters.
Melch. Adam. Johan. Manlius in loc. com.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
(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).
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 15:23
23. by] Rather, in. The reference is rather to the satisfaction found in the ready answer itself, the “word in due season,” as he utters it, than to any fruit which comes to him “by” it.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 15:23
Probably, a special reference to debates in council Proverbs 15:22. They bring before us the special characteristic of the East, the delight in ready, improvised answers, solving difficulties, turning aside anger.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 15:23
23. This proverb may bear some reference to the preceding, and to the ability to speak well and readily in the divan or council.
Sermons on Proverbs 15:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Husbands Love Your Wifes! by Keith Daniel | Keith Daniel emphasizes the biblical command for husbands to love their wives, drawing from Matthew 19:5 and Ephesians 5:25. He highlights the importance of 'cleaving' to one's spo |
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A Season and a Time by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using words wisely and knowing when to keep silent. He shares a personal story of encountering a young man with a rebellio |
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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A Time to Be Silent by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of words and the destructive impact they can have on others. He shares a personal story of witnessing a man's life being destroyed |
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Still, Small Voices by Carter Conlon | This sermon from 1 Kings chapter 19 titled 'Still Small Voices' emphasizes the power of a small, still voice of God in times of discouragement and spiritual conflict. It highlights |
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The Prayer of Jabez by J.C. Philpot | Joseph Philpot preaches on the prayer of Jabez, highlighting the desires and breathings of a soul seeking God's blessings, spiritual enlargement, divine guidance, and deliverance f |
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Letter: 10e 29 G v Wigram, Stafford, January 31st, 1839 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the necessity of maintaining order within the church by addressing and stopping those who speak error or are led by the flesh. He advocates for a balan |