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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply--and how good is a timely word!</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/15-23.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_15_23.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 15:23 - A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A man takes joy in a fitting reply--and how good is a timely word!" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/15.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word <i>spoken</i> in due season, how good <i>is it</i>!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/15.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, And a word <i>spoken</i> in due season, how good <i>it is!</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A man has gladness in an apt answer, And how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good <i>and</i> delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man takes joy in giving an answer; and a timely word—how good that is! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/15.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Giving the right answer at the right time makes everyone happy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/15.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth: and a word in due season, how good is it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person is delighted to hear an answer from his own mouth, and a timely word-oh, how good!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/15.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What a joy it is to find just the right word for the right occasion! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/15.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />An appropriate answer brings joy to a person, and a well-timed word is a good thing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/15.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A person has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and a word at the right time--how good it is! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/15.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time! <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, "" And a word in its season—how good!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Joy is to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Joy to the man in the answer of his mouth: and a word in its time how good.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A man rejoiceth in the sentence of his mouth: and a word in due time is best. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />A man rejoices in the verdict of his own mouth. And a word at the right time is best.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/15.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />One has joy from an apt response; a word in season, how good it is! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />To make an apt answer is a joy to anyone, and a word in season, how good it is!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />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!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/15.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The word of his mouth is joy to a man, and it is good for him that speaks in his time.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/15.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/15.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A bad man will by no means attend to counsel; neither will he say anything seasonable, or good for the common <i>weal</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/15-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2964" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/15.htm">A Gentle Answer Turns Away Wrath</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">22</span>Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: lā·’îš (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">A man</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">takes joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/4617.htm" title="4617: bə·ma·‘ă·nêh- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- An answer, response. From anah; a reply.">in a fitting reply</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: p̄îw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">—</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">and how</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">good is</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: bə·‘it·tōw (Prep-b:: N-csc:: 3ms) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">a timely</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: wə·ḏā·ḇār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">word!</a> </span><span class="reftext">24</span>The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may avoid going down to Sheol.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a></span><br />But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/10-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 10:12</a></span><br />The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-22.htm">Luke 4:22</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-25.htm">Proverbs 12:25</a></span><br />Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a></span><br />Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-32.htm">Proverbs 10:32</a></span><br />The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-9.htm">Proverbs 27:9</a></span><br />Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-26.htm">1 Corinthians 14:26</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!</p><p class="hdg">joy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Proverbs 12:14</a></b></br> A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of <i>his</i> mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/16-13.htm">Proverbs 16:13</a></b></br> Righteous lips <i>are</i> the delight of kings; and they love him that speaketh right.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-26.htm">Proverbs 24:26</a></b></br> <i>Every man</i> shall kiss <i>his</i> lips that giveth a right answer.</p><p class="hdg">in due season</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a></b></br> To every <i>thing there is</i> a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/50-4.htm">Isaiah 50:4</a></b></br> The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to <i>him that is</i> weary: he wakeneth morning by morning, he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned.</p><p class="hdg">how</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/25-32.htm">1 Samuel 25:32,33</a></b></br> And David said to Abigail, Blessed <i>be</i> the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_chronicles/7-40.htm">Apt</a> <a href="/psalms/16-6.htm">Delightful</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Due</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-21.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-14.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Right</a> <a href="/psalms/145-15.htm">Season</a> <a href="/proverbs/8-23.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">Apt</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-10.htm">Delightful</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-5.htm">Due</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Finds</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Good</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-30.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-8.htm">Right</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-4.htm">Season</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-20.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 15</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">A gentle answer turns away wrath</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A man takes joy in a fitting reply</b><br>This phrase highlights the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from speaking wisely and appropriately. In biblical context, wisdom literature often emphasizes the power of words and the importance of speaking with discernment. <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a> compares a word fitly spoken to "apples of gold in settings of silver," illustrating the value of well-chosen words. The joy mentioned here can be seen as a reflection of the inner peace and righteousness that comes from aligning one's speech with God's wisdom. In the New Testament, <a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2-12</a> discusses the power of the tongue, reinforcing the idea that controlling one's speech is a mark of spiritual maturity.<p><b>and how good is a timely word!</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the impact of speaking at the right moment. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, communication was often direct and personal, making the timing of words crucial in maintaining relationships and community harmony. <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a> reminds us that there is "a time to be silent and a time to speak," emphasizing the importance of timing in communication. The goodness of a timely word can also be seen as a reflection of God's providence, as He often uses individuals to deliver messages of encouragement, correction, or guidance at just the right moment. In the life of Jesus, His words were always timely, offering comfort, teaching, or rebuke as needed, exemplifying the perfect use of speech.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His insights into human behavior and godly living are captured in the book of Proverbs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise_man.htm">The Wise Man</a></b><br>The "man" mentioned in the verse represents anyone who seeks wisdom and understanding, striving to live according to God's principles.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>The original audience of Proverbs was the people of Israel, but its teachings are applicable to all believers seeking wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_joy_of_wisdom.htm">The Joy of Wisdom</a></b><br>A wise and fitting reply brings joy not only to the speaker but also to the listener. It reflects the joy that comes from living in alignment with God's wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_timely_words.htm">The Power of Timely Words</a></b><br>Words spoken at the right time can have a profound impact. They can encourage, comfort, and guide others, demonstrating the power of godly wisdom in our speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance_in_speech.htm">Seeking God's Guidance in Speech</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their communication, ensuring that their words are both fitting and timely, reflecting the character of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/building_up_the_body_of_christ.htm">Building Up the Body of Christ</a></b><br>Our words should aim to edify and build up others within the body of Christ, promoting unity and love among believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ_in_our_communication.htm">Reflecting Christ in Our Communication</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His love, grace, and truth, serving as a testimony to those around us.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 15</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_wisdom_build_a_house.htm">What impact does a well-timed word have?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_christ's_peace_rule_in_your_heart.htm">What are 'Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_impact_of_timely_words.htm">What impact does a well-timed word have?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_'apples_of_gold'.htm">What are "Apples of Gold in Settings of Silver"?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth.</span>--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 (<a href="/proverbs/16-1.htm" title="The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.">Proverbs 16:1</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 23</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth.</span> 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. <span class="cmt_word">A word</span> spoken <span class="cmt_word">in due season,</span> <span class="accented">sermo opportunus</span>, is advice given at the right moment and in the most suitable manner, when the occasion and the interests at stake demand it (comp. <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a>). 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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/15-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A man</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֭אִישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(lā·’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">takes joy</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׂמְחָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in a fitting reply,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמַעֲנֵה־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ma·‘ă·nêh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4617.htm">Strong's 4617: </a> </span><span class="str2">An answer, response</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and how</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">good is</span><br /><span class="heb">טּֽוֹב׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a timely</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּעִתּ֣וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·‘it·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Time, now, when</span><br /><br /><span class="word">word!</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדָבָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/15-23.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 15:23 Joy comes to a man (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 15:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/15-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 15:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 15:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>