Proverbs 15:23

Proverbs 15:23 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
• New International Version (NIV)A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!
• English Standard Version (ESV)To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
• New King James Version (NKJV)A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!

Context of Proverbs 15:23

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. A 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.

Proverbs 15:23 word by word

שִׂמְחָ֣ה לָ֭אִישׁ בְּמַעֲנֵה־פִ֑יו וְדָבָ֖ר בְּעִתּ֣וֹ מַה־טּֽוֹב׃Read the interlinear

• A manאִישׁ'îysh · manH376
• takes joyשִׂמְחָהώimchâh · joyH8057
• in a fitting replyמַעֲנֶהma‛ăneh · answerH4617
• in a fitting replyפֶּהpeh · lipH6310
• and howמָהmâh mah mâ ma meh · what?H4100
• good isטוֹבţôb · pleasantH2896
• a timelyעֵת‛êth · timeH6256
• wordדָּבָרdâbâr · wordH1697

Cross-references for Proverbs 15:23

• Proverbs 12:14By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.
• Proverbs 16:13Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
• Proverbs 24:26An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
• Proverbs 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
• Ephesians 4:29Let 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.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
• Isaiah 50:4The 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.
• 1 Samuel 25:32Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day!

Commentaries on Proverbs 15:23

• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 23Probably, 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. Compare the effect on the scribe Mark 12:28.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 23Verse 23 Wisdom is needed to suit our discourse to the occasions.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2323. Good advice blesses the giver and receiver.Read the comment

Topics related to Proverbs 15:23

• Speaking
• Words

In the dictionaries

• Abomination
• Cheerful
• Continual
• Countenance
• Disappoint
• Disperse
• Feast
• Grievous
• Humility
• Poetry

Commentaries on Proverbs 15

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings