Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 15:23, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!
American Standard Version
A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!
World English Bible version
Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!
Proverbs 15:23 Meaning & Commentary
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! – Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)
What does the word apt mean? According to the dictionary, it means the following: Apt means to the point and particularly appropriate: an apt comment. Both pertinent and relevant are synonyms for Apt. This verse in Proverbs says an apt answer is ‘a joy to a man’. Would this be a joy to the person asking a question or to the person who is able to give an ‘apt answer’? I believe it is applicable to both!
If you have a nagging question that you cannot find the answer to, and someone is able to pinpoint the answer for you, it brings great joy! It can be very frustrating sitting with a question that you cannot answer. How many times may we have heard a song in the past and forgotten the name of it down the line? Even small and trivial things like that can frustrate the person trying to ‘rack their brain’ to remember the song’s name.
However, there are many more questions we go through life asking. Sometimes, they are deep and meaningful questions like why something bad happened to us or questions about our walk with God. Other times, they are questions borne out of curiosity.
The second part of Proverbs 15:23 says that a word in season is good. This is not necessarily an answer someone gives. However, it is a word spoken at an appropriate time that has just the desired result and effect! For example, someone could feel down and discouraged and be on the brink of giving up. If God lays it on somebody else’s heart to speak a word of encouragement to that person, this is an example of a word in season. It is an appropriate word spoken at just the right time!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 15:23 to our lives?
The Bible says in the book of 1 Peter 4:11 that if anyone speaks, they should speak as the oracles of God: 1 Peter 4:11 – whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. This means that they should speak as if God is speaking through them.
Of course, this scripture primarily refers to those who stand as the mouthpiece of God and teach and preach His word. However, it most certainly is not limited to them only! Wherever we find ourselves, we can be God’s hand, feet, and especially His mouthpiece! If we are sensitive to God’s leading and prompting and obedient when he speaks to us, we will impact those around us. This could be at the workplace, the mall, or anywhere else. However, it all starts when in our private time with God. This is where we connect with God and grow in our walk with Him.
We should have the same desire as King David did: Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Our words are of vital importance – Jesus even said that our words would either justify or condemn us: Matthew 12:37 – …by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
The Bible tells us to honor Christ in our hearts and be ready to give an answer as to why we have faith in Jesus Christ: 1 Peter 3:15 – but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.. When God is on the throne of our hearts, and we are obedient to His leading and prompting, we will be able to answer aptly in every situation and speak the right words in the right season!
Prayer
Mighty God, I thank You for the power of my words – not only that I can eat the fruit of them, but that others people’s lives can be impacted by the answers I give and the words I speak.
As King David prayed, I ask that the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart will be pleasing and acceptable to You. Draw me close to You, as I draw close to you. Help me to speak as an oracle of You wherever I go. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
