English Standard Version
Proverbs 15:23
23To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!
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!
- 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!
- New Living Translation (NLT)Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
Context of Proverbs 15:23
21Folly is a joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight ahead. 22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! 24The path of life leads upward for the prudent, that he may turn away from Sheol beneath. 25The Lord tears down the house of the proud but maintains the widow's boundaries.
Read all of Proverbs 15Proverbs 15:23 word by word
שִׂמְחָ֣ה לָ֭אִישׁ בְּמַעֲנֵה־פִ֑יו וְדָבָ֖ר בְּעִתּ֣וֹ מַה־טּֽוֹב׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 15:23
- Proverbs 12:14From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him.
- Proverbs 16:13Righteous lips are the delight of a king, and he loves him who speaks what is right.
- Proverbs 24:26Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips.
- Proverbs 25:11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
- Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
- Isaiah 50:4The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.
- 1 Samuel 25:32And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!
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
In the dictionaries
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
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Commentaries