Bible Strands
Proverbs 15:23
A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The wisdom teacher addresses a general audience within a collection of practical maxims, framing the verse between warnings about failed plans and the wise person's upward path.
The words — The text highlights simchah (joy) and ma'aneh (answer), noting that a person finds satisfaction in a fitting reply and praises a word delivered at its 'ito (appropriate time).
The thread — This emphasis on timed, life-building speech appears in Isaiah 50:4, Proverbs 25:11, and Ephesians 4:29.
Why it lands — It demands deliberate observation of the moment before speaking and requires the reader to value precision and timing over mere volume or speed.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
Cross-references
- 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.
- Proverbs 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
- 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.
- Proverbs 12:14 By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.
- Proverbs 16:13 Righteous lips are a king’s delight, and he who speaks honestly is beloved.
- Proverbs 24:26 An honest answer given is like a kiss on the lips.
- 1 Samuel 25:32 Then David said to Abigail, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day!
- Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: