Proverbs 15:23
New International Version
A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

New Living Translation
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

English Standard Version
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Berean Standard Bible
A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

King James Bible
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

New King James Version
A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

New American Standard Bible
A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!

NASB 1995
A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!

NASB 1977
A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!

Legacy Standard Bible
A man has gladness in an apt answer, And how good is a timely word!

Amplified Bible
A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!

Christian Standard Bible
A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is!

American Standard Version
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

Contemporary English Version
Giving the right answer at the right time makes everyone happy.

English Revised Version
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word in due season, how good is it!

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth, and a timely word-oh, how good!

Good News Translation
What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion!

International Standard Version
An appropriate answer brings joy to a person, and a well-timed word is a good thing.

Majority Standard Bible
A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!

NET Bible
A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time--how good it is!

New Heart English Bible
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time.

Webster's Bible Translation
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

World English Bible
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, "" And a word in its season—how good!

Young's Literal Translation
Joy is to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!

Smith's Literal Translation
Joy to the man in the answer of his mouth: and a word in its time how good.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best.

Catholic Public Domain Version
A man rejoices in the verdict of his own mouth. And a word at the right time is best.

New American Bible
One has joy from an apt response; a word in season, how good it is!

New Revised Standard Version
To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A man's joy is revealed by the word of his mouth; and he who speaks at the right time, how good is it to him!

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The word of his mouth is joy to a man, and it is good for him that speaks in his time.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common weal.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath
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.…

Cross References
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

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.

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.

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

Luke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 10:32
The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

Proverbs 27:9
Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.

1 Corinthians 14:26
What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.


Treasury of Scripture

A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

joy

Proverbs 12:14
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.

Proverbs 16:13
Righteous lips are the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.

Proverbs 24:26
Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer.

in due season

Ecclesiastes 3:1
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Isaiah 50:4
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.

how

1 Samuel 25:32,33
And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: …

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Proverbs 15
1. A gentle answer turns away wrath














A man takes joy
The phrase "A man takes joy" suggests an intrinsic satisfaction and delight that comes from within. In the Hebrew context, the word for "joy" (שִׂמְחָה, simchah) often conveys a sense of deep, abiding happiness that is rooted in righteousness and wisdom. This joy is not superficial but is a reflection of a heart aligned with God's will. Historically, joy in the biblical sense is often associated with the fulfillment of God's promises and the experience of His presence. In a conservative Christian perspective, this joy is seen as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), indicating a life lived in accordance with God's truth.

in a fitting reply
The term "fitting reply" implies a response that is appropriate, wise, and considerate of the situation. The Hebrew word for "fitting" (מַעֲנֶה, ma'aneh) suggests an answer that is not only correct but also suitable for the context. This reflects the biblical principle of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and the importance of wisdom in communication. In ancient times, a fitting reply was highly valued in social and legal settings, as it demonstrated discernment and understanding. For Christians, this underscores the importance of seeking God's wisdom in our interactions, ensuring that our words edify and build up others.

and how good
The phrase "and how good" emphasizes the inherent value and positive impact of the words spoken. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) is often used to describe something that is beneficial, pleasant, and morally excellent. In the biblical narrative, God repeatedly declares His creation as "good" (Genesis 1), highlighting the standard of goodness that reflects His character. In this context, a good word is one that aligns with God's truth and brings about His purposes. For believers, this serves as a reminder of the power of words to bring life and encouragement, as well as the responsibility to speak in a way that reflects God's goodness.

is a timely word
The concept of "a timely word" speaks to the importance of timing in communication. The Hebrew word for "timely" (בְּעִתּוֹ, be'itto) conveys the idea of something occurring at the right moment, in its due season. This aligns with the biblical understanding of God's perfect timing and the wisdom of acting in accordance with His divine schedule (Ecclesiastes 3:1). In the historical context, a timely word could avert disaster, bring peace, or provide needed guidance. For Christians, this highlights the need for sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's leading, ensuring that our words are not only true but also delivered at the moment they are most needed to fulfill God's purposes.

(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).

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 due season, sermo opportunus, is advice given at the right moment and in the most suitable manner, when the occasion and the interests at stake demand it (comp. Proverbs 25:11). The LXX. connects this verse with the preceding, and renders, "The evil man will not hearken to it (counsel), nor will he say aught in season or for the public good."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A man
לָ֭אִישׁ (lā·’îš)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

takes joy
שִׂמְחָ֣ה (śim·ḥāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

in a fitting reply,
בְּמַעֲנֵה־ (bə·ma·‘ă·nêh-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4617: An answer, response

and how
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

good is
טּֽוֹב׃ (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

a timely
בְּעִתּ֣וֹ (bə·‘it·tōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when

word!
וְדָבָ֖ר (wə·ḏā·ḇār)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:23 Joy comes to a man (Prov. Pro Pr)
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