◄ Proverbs 15:23 ►
A man takes joy in a fitting reply--and how good is a timely word!
Study Bible
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.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
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.

2. The Wise Man
The "man" mentioned in the verse represents anyone who seeks wisdom and understanding, striving to live according to God's principles.

3. The Audience
The original audience of Proverbs was the people of Israel, but its teachings are applicable to all believers seeking wisdom.
Teaching Points
The Joy of Wisdom
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.

The Power of Timely Words
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.

Seeking God's Guidance in Speech
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.

Building Up the Body of Christ
Our words should aim to edify and build up others within the body of Christ, promoting unity and love among believers.

Reflecting Christ in Our Communication
As followers of Christ, our speech should reflect His love, grace, and truth, serving as a testimony to those around us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we cultivate the ability to give a "fitting reply" in our daily interactions?

2. In what ways can a "timely word" impact someone's life, and how have you experienced this personally?

3. How does the concept of a "fitting reply" relate to the wisdom described in James 3:17?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our words align with Ephesians 4:29, building others up according to their needs?

5. How can we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our speech, ensuring it reflects the character of Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
James 3:17
This verse speaks about the wisdom that comes from above, which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy. It connects to the idea of a "fitting reply" being wise and beneficial.

Ecclesiastes 3:7
This verse mentions a time to be silent and a time to speak, emphasizing the importance of timing in communication, similar to the "timely word" in Proverbs 15:23.

Ephesians 4:29
This verse encourages believers to speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, aligning with the concept of a "fitting reply."
Sermons
Useful SpeechHomilistProverbs 15:23
Facets of Moral TruthE. Johnson Proverbs 15:18-23
People
Abaddon, Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Apt, Delightful, Due, Giving, Joy, Mouth, Reply, Season, Spoken, Timely
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Proverbs 15:23

     4971   seasons, of life
     5193   tongue
     5547   speech, power of
     5946   sensitivity

Library
God, the All-Seeing One
A sermon (No. 177) delivered on Sabbath morning, February 14, 1858 At The Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens by C. H. Spurgeon. "Hell and destruction are before the Lord: how much more then the hearts of the children of men?" -- Proverbs 15:11. You have often smiled at the ignorance of heathens who bow themselves before gods of wood and stone. You have quoted the words of Scripture and you have said, "Eyes have they, but they see not; ears have they, but they hear not." You have therefore argued that …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

The Hedge of Thorns and the Plain Way
A sermon (No. 1948) delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by C. H. Spurgeon. "The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain."--Proverbs 15:19. You must have noticed how frequently godly people almost wear out their Bibles in certain places. The Psalms, the Gospel of John, and parts of the Epistles are favourite portions, and are thumbed in many an old believer's Bible till the fact is very noticeable. There are certain sheep-tracks …
C.H. Spurgeon—Sermons on Proverbs

God, the All-Seeing One
We have in our text, first of all, a great fact declared,--"Hell and destruction are before the Lord ;" we have, secondly, a great fact inferred,--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" I. We will begin with THE GREAT FACT WHICH IS DECLARED--a fact which furnishes us with premises from which we deduce the practical conclusion of the second sentence--"How much more then the hearts of the children of men?" The best interpretation that you can give of those two words, "hell" and "destruction," …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 18.) Differently to be admonished are the humble and the haughty. To the former it is to be insinuated how true is that excellence which they hold in hoping for it; to the latter it is to be intimated how that temporal glory is as nothing which even when embracing it they hold not. Let the humble hear how eternal are the things that they long for, how transitory the things which they despise; let the haughty hear how transitory are the things they court, how eternal the things they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

And He had Also this Favour Granted Him. ...
66. And he had also this favour granted him. For as he was sitting alone on the mountain, if ever he was in perplexity in his meditations, this was revealed to him by Providence in prayer. And the happy man, as it is written, was taught of God [1112] . After this, when he once had a discussion with certain men who had come to him concerning the state of the soul and of what nature its place will be after this life, the following night one from above called him, saying, Antony, rise, go out and look.' …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle cxxii. To Rechared, King of the visigoths .
To Rechared, King of the Visigoths [82] . Gregory to Rechared, &c. I cannot express in words, most excellent son, how much I am delighted with thy work and thy life. For on hearing of the power of a new miracle in our days, to wit that the whole nation of the Goths has through thy Excellency been brought over from the error of Arian heresy to the firmness of a right faith, one is disposed to exclaim with the prophet, This is the change wrought by the right hand of the Most High (Ps. lxxvi. 11 [83] …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Contention Over the Man Born Blind.
(Jerusalem.) ^D John IX. 1-41. [Some look upon the events in this and the next section as occurring at the Feast of Tabernacles in October, others think they occurred at the Feast of Dedication in December, deriving their point of time from John x. 22.] ^d 1 And as he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. [The man probably sought to waken compassion by repeatedly stating this fact to passers-by.] 2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Rabbi, who sinned, this man, or his parents, that he should …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

"And the Life. " How Christ is the Life.
This, as the former, being spoken indefinitely, may be universally taken, as relating both to such as are yet in the state of nature, and to such as are in the state of grace, and so may be considered in reference to both, and ground three points of truth, both in reference to the one, and in reference to the other; to wit, 1. That our case is such as we stand in need of his help, as being the Life. 2. That no other way but by him, can we get that supply of life, which we stand in need of, for he …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

"Now the End of the Commandment," &C.
1 Tim. i. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment," &c. We come now, as was proposed, to observe, Thirdly,(474) That faith unfeigned is the only thing which gives the answer of a good conscience towards God. Conscience, in general, is nothing else but a practical knowledge of the rule a man should walk by, and of himself in reference to that rule. It is the laying down a man's state, and condition, and actions beside the rule of God's word, or the principles of nature's light. It is the chief piece …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." All men love to have privileges above others. Every one is upon the design and search after some well-being, since Adam lost that which was true happiness. We all agree upon the general notion of it, but presently men divide in the following of particulars. Here all men are united in seeking after some good; something to satisfy their souls, and satiate their desires. Nay, but they …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
2 Tim. iii. 16.--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." We told you that there was nothing more necessary to know than what our end is, and what the way is that leads to that end. We see the most part of men walking at random,--running an uncertain race,--because they do not propose unto themselves a certain scope to aim at, and whither to direct their whole course. According to men's particular …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of the Eleventh
An unfinished commentary on the Bible, found among the author's papers after his death, in his own handwriting; and published in 1691, by Charles Doe, in a folio volume of the works of John Bunyan. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR Being in company with an enlightened society of Protestant dissenters of the Baptist denomination, I observed to a doctor of divinity, who was advancing towards his seventieth year, that my time had been delightfully engaged with John Bunyan's commentary on Genesis. "What," …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

How Christ is the Way in General, "I am the Way. "
We come now to speak more particularly to the words; and, first, Of his being a way. Our design being to point at the way of use-making of Christ in all our necessities, straits, and difficulties which are in our way to heaven; and particularly to point out the way how believers should make use of Christ in all their particular exigencies; and so live by faith in him, walk in him, grow up in him, advance and march forward toward glory in him. It will not be amiss to speak of this fulness of Christ …
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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