23<\/strong>. by<\/em> ] Rather, in<\/strong>. The reference is rather to the satisfaction found in the ready answer itself, the “word in due season,” as he utters it, than to any fruit which comes to him “by” it.<\/p>\n Probably, a special reference to debates in council Pro 15:22<\/span>. 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 Mar 12:28<\/span>.<\/P><\/p>\n By the answer, <\/B>i.e. by a wise or good and seasonable answer or advice, as is manifest, both from the opposite clause, and from the nature of the thing, because it is manifest and undeniable, that a foolish answer can be no credit nor comfort to the answerer. Thus above, Pro 15:10<\/span>, the way is put for Gods way; and such synecdoches are frequent in Scripture. <\/P> A word spoken in due season, <\/B>counsel or comfort given to another in fit time and manner, <\/P> how good is it!<\/B> it is highly acceptable and useful. <\/P> <\/p>\n 23.<\/B> Good advice blesses thegiver and receiver.<\/P><\/p>\n A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth<\/strong>,…. When his advice is asked, and he gives good and wholesome counsel, and that being taken succeeds; it is a pleasure to a man that he is capable of assisting his friend, and doing him service, or a common good, whether it be in things natural, civil, or religious; when his speech is with salt, seasoned with grace, and he knows how he ought to answer every man; when that which is good proceeds from him, and is to the use of edifying, and ministers grace to the hearers, and is acceptable to them; when with readiness he gives an answer to every man that asks him a reason of the hope that is in him, with meekness and fear, Col 3:6<\/span> Eph 4:29<\/span>;<\/p>\n and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]<\/strong>? whether by way of advice and counsel to such who stand in need of it, or of exhortation and instruction to those that want it, or of comfort to those that are distressed; such is a word of promise spoken and applied by the Spirit of God to the hearts of his people in a time of need; and such is the Gospel of peace, pardon, righteousness, and salvation, as spoken by Christ and his ministers to weary and wounded souls; it cannot be well and fully expressed how sweet, how good, how suitable, as well as seasonable, it is: see Pr 25:11<\/span>.<\/p>\n 23 A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken<\/I> in due season, how good is it!<\/I><\/P> Note, 1. We speak wisely when we speak seasonably: The answer of the mouth<\/I> will be our credit and joy when it is pertinent and to the purpose, and is spoken in due season,<\/I> when it is needed and will be regarded, and, as we say, hits the joint. Many a good word comes short of doing the good it might have done, for want of being well-timed. Nor is any thing more the beauty of discourse than to have a proper answer ready off-hand, just when there is occasion for it, and it comes in well. 2. If we speak wisely and well, it will redound to our own comfort and to the advantage of others: A man has joy by the answer of his mouth;<\/I> he may take a pleasure, but may by no means take a pride, in having spoken so acceptably and well that the hearers admire him and say, “How good is it,<\/I> and how much good does it do!”<\/P><\/p>\n Words Fitly Spoken<\/strong><\/p>\n Verse 23 suggests that appropriate words at a time needed is joy to the speaker and a blessing to the hearer, Pro 10:20<\/span>; Pro 23:16<\/span>; Pro 25:11<\/span>.<\/p>\n MAIN HOMILETICS OF <\/em>Pro. 15:23<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n JOY FROM A SEASONABLE WORD<\/p>\n I. A good word yields the speaker a present joy<\/strong>. There is a present reaction of joy following every right deed which is its present and immediate reward. If a man gives his money to a right object from the highest motive he is silently repaid, even while he is in the act of giving, by the joy which he feels. So the man who having neither silver or gold gives help by words of advice or sympathy. Good words are sometimes more precious than gold to the sinning or the suffering, and for such gifts there is the reward which follows every effort to help and bless others. How much of the joy of Christs life on earth must have arisen from the enlightening and life-giving answers of His mouth, to those who sought to learn of Him.<\/p>\n II. It yields the speaker joy on reflection<\/strong>. There is nothing equal to the joy of performing a good deed, except the joy of reflecting upon it. This is a more lasting joy, and can be repeated again and again. Happy is he who, in looking back upon the answers of his mouth, can derive joy from the consciousness that he spoke the right word at the right time.<\/p>\n III. Such a word is an unending source of joy, because it is an unending influence for good<\/strong>. None can tell how good it is<\/em>none can say that its influence will ever cease. A stone thrown into the ocean is but the act of a moment; but wise men tell us that the influence of that act is felt long after the stone has found the bed of the ocean. The word spoken by the Highest Wisdom to Saul on his way to Damascus, how good was it for the man to whom it was addressed, and how good it has been, and will be for millions throughout the ages of eternity. None but God can estimate the power of the evil that was then averted from the Church of God, the depth of personal guilt from which the man addressed was delivered, or the amount of blessed influence that was then set in motion. And many a word of the disciple has been good in the same manner, although not in the same degree, as that word of the Master.<\/p>\n OUTLINES AND SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS<\/em><\/p>\n It must be a word spoken in season<\/em> (chap. Pro. 25:11<\/span>), though it be from feeble lips. For though there are some happy seasons, when the most rugged natures are accessible (Bishop Hopkins)<\/em>, yet many a good word is lost by being spoken<\/em> out of season. Obviously a moment of irritation is out of season. We must wait for the return of calmness and reason. Sometimes, indeed, the matter forces itself out after lengthened and apparently ineffectual waiting. It has been long brooded over within and must have its vent. But this explosion sweeps away every prospect of good, and leaves a revolting impression. Instead of a fertilising shower, it has gathered into a violent and destructive tempest. It is most important, that our whole deportment should bring conviction, that we yearn over the souls of those whom we are constrained to reprove. Never commence with an attack; which, as an enemys position, naturally provokes resistance. Study a pointed application. A word spoken for every one, like a coat made for everyone, has no individual fitness.Bridges<\/em>.<\/p>\n The verb usually translated to answer<\/em> means primarily to sing, or rather, to break out with the voice;<\/em> rather, to speak after a silence<\/em>; which, of course, would usually be in making answer. Hence the idiom, answered<\/em> and said<\/em>, literally, broke silence<\/em>, and said<\/em>. Such an utterance would become very oracular in the more solemn decisions of life. A decree<\/em> as we have translated it, is a noun out of the above described verb. It means an uttered decision;<\/em> such as an answer may be to a business speech; such as is alluded to on Gods part (chap. Pro. 16:4<\/span>); and such as may be over-masteringly momentous in the business and results of life. Solomon sees in it a rare truth in respect to decisions for immortality. A word!<\/em> Why, it may win eternity! An offer presses! A word<\/em> refuses! A word<\/em> snatches possession for ever! Lo! the amazing difference! Body and soul hang upon a word<\/em>. Great counsel<\/em> (Pro. 15:22<\/span>) indeed, that is, that prompts a man to say, Yes! and a word (spoken) in<\/em> season truly! if it be a confession of Christ! and if it take the offer of an eternal blessedness! Because there is no drawing back after that beginning (Pro. 15:24<\/span>).Miller<\/em>.<\/p>\n The words have probably a special reference to the debates in council implied in Pro. 15:22<\/span>. True as they are at all times, they also bring before us the special characteristic of the East, the delight in ready, improvised answers, solving difficulties, turning aside anger. Such an answer, to a people imaginative rather than logical, has much more weight than any elaborate argument. Compare the effect produced on the mind of the scribe who heard our Lords dispute with the Sadducees, when he saw that He had answered well (Mar. 12:28<\/span>).Plumptre<\/em>.<\/p>\n TEXT<\/strong> Pro. 15:23-33<\/span><\/p>\n 23.<\/p>\n A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth;<\/p>\n And a word in due season, how good is it!<\/p>\n 24.<\/p>\n To the wise the way of life goeth upward,<\/p>\n That he may depart from Sheol beneath.<\/p>\n 25.<\/p>\n Jehovah will root up the house of the proud;<\/p>\n But he will establish the border of the widow.<\/p>\n 26.<\/p>\n Evil devices are an abomination to Jehovah;<\/p>\n But pleasant words are pure.<\/p>\n 27.<\/p>\n He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house;<\/p>\n But he that hateth bribes shall live.<\/p>\n 28.<\/p>\n The heart of the righteous studieth to answer;<\/p>\n But the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.<\/p>\n 29.<\/p>\n Jehovah is far from the wicked;<\/p>\n But he heareth the prayer of the righteous.<\/p>\n 30.<\/p>\n The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart;<\/p>\n And good things make the bones fat.<\/p>\n 31.<\/p>\n The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life<\/p>\n Shall abide among the wise.<\/p>\n 32.<\/p>\n He that refuseth correction despiseth his own soul;<\/p>\n But he that hearkeneth to reproof getteth understanding.<\/p>\n 33.<\/p>\n The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom;<\/p>\n And before honor goeth humility.<\/p>\n STUDY QUESTIONS OVER 15:23-33<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.<\/p>\n What is meant by a word in due season (Pro. 15:23<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 2.<\/p>\n Does upward in Pro. 15:24<\/span> imply heaven or the better life here?<\/p>\n 3.<\/p>\n Cite other passages besides Pro. 15:25<\/span> condemning the proud.<\/p>\n 4.<\/p>\n Cite other passages besides Pro. 15:25<\/span> showing Gods concern for the widow?<\/p>\n 5.<\/p>\n What is meant by border in Pro. 15:25<\/span>?<\/p>\n 6.<\/p>\n What would be some examples of evil devices (Pro. 15:26<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 7.<\/p>\n Comment on pleasant words being pure (Pro. 15:26<\/span>).<\/p>\n 8.<\/p>\n How does a greedy person trouble his house (Pro. 15:27<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 9.<\/p>\n What connection is there between hating bribes and living (Pro. 15:27<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 10.<\/p>\n Will a person remain righteous who speaks the first thing that comes into his or her mind (Pro. 15:28<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 11.<\/p>\n What are some kinds of evil speech coming from the evil (Pro. 15:28<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 12.<\/p>\n In what sense is Jehovah far from the wicked (Pro. 15:29<\/span>).<\/p>\n 13.<\/p>\n Why does God hear the prayer of the righteous (Pro. 15:29<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 14.<\/p>\n What is the light of the eyes (Pro. 15:30<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 15.<\/p>\n What is meant by make the bones fat (Pro. 15:30<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 16.<\/p>\n What is meant by the reproof of life (Pro. 15:31<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 17.<\/p>\n Cite a Biblical character who refused correction (Pro. 15:32<\/span>).<\/p>\n 18.<\/p>\n In the Bible who was humble before he was honored (Pro. 15:33<\/span>)?<\/p>\n PARAPHRASE OF 15:23-33<\/strong><\/p>\n 23.<\/p>\n Everyone enjoys giving good advice, and how wonderful it is to be able to way the right thing at the right time!<\/p>\n 24.<\/p>\n The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind.<\/p>\n 25.<\/p>\n The Lord destroys the possessions of the proud but cares for the widows.<\/p>\n 26.<\/p>\n The Lord hates the thoughts of the wicked but delights in kind words.<\/p>\n 27.<\/p>\n Dishonest money brings grief to all the family, but hating bribes brings happiness.<\/p>\n 28.<\/p>\n A good man thinks before he speaks; the evil man pours out his evil words without a thought.<\/p>\n 29.<\/p>\n The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayers of the righteous.<\/p>\n 30.<\/p>\n Pleasant sights and good reports give happiness and health.<\/p>\n 31, 32.<\/p>\n If you profit from constructive criticism you will be elected to the wise mens hall of fame. But to reject criticism is to harm yourself and your own best interests.<\/p>\n 33.<\/p>\n Humility and reverence for the Lord will make you both wise and honored.<\/p>\n COMMENTS ON 15:23-33<\/strong><\/p>\n Pro. 15:23<\/span>. A person does not have joy from just any answer of his mouth but by a right answer or a good answer or a timely answer. The heart of the righteous studieth to answer (Pro. 15:28<\/span>). Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one (Col. 4:6<\/span>). Being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you (1Pe. 3:15<\/span>). All that heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers (Luk. 2:47<\/span>). A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in network of silver (Pro. 25:11<\/span>).<\/p>\n Pro. 15:24<\/span>. The wise choose the way that leads to life rather than destruction (Sheol): Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it (Mat. 7:13-14<\/span>). Wisdom makes the decision now that will end right later: If thy hand cause thee to stumble, cut it off: it is good for thee to enter into life maimed, rather than having thy two hands to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire (Mar. 9:43<\/span>). Are you pressing on the upward way? Are you gaining new heights every day?<\/p>\n Pro. 15:25<\/span>. A double contrast: root up vs. establish and the proud vs. the widow (and maybe a third: house vs. border). For similar passages see Pro. 12:7<\/span>; Pro. 14:11<\/span>; Psa. 146:9<\/span>. This is a great warning against arrogancy, self-sufficiency, and being independent in attitude. Concerning the border (or boundary) of the widow: In a country where property was defined by landmarksstones or some such objectsnothing was easier than to remove these altogether, or to alter their position. That this was a common form of fraud and oppression we gather from the stringency of the enactments against the offence (see Deu. 19:14<\/span>; Deu. 27:17<\/span>; and compare Job. 24:2<\/span> and Pro. 22:28<\/span>). In the Babylonian and Assyrian inscriptions…there are many invoking curses, curious and multifarious, against the disturbers of boundaries (Pulpit Commentary).<\/p>\n Pro. 15:26<\/span>. Evil devices would include everything from the simplest plot to outsmart somebody to the most complex invention for the production of evil. Such inventers may be lauded, and such devisers may think themselves shrewd, but such is not Gods view. God is against evil and everything and everybody multiplying it. Words that are pleasant (or pleasing) are pure and not evil.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:27<\/span>. One greedy of gain was violating the Tenth Commandment (Exo. 20:17<\/span>). But instead of building up ones own house at the expense of others, sometimes one brings ruination to himself and his house, such as did Achan (Jos. 7:21<\/span>; Jos. 7:24-25<\/span>), Naboth (1Ki. 21:1-24<\/span>), Ananias and Sapphira (Act. 5:1-10<\/span>), and Lot and others. Other Scriptures: Isa. 5:8<\/span>; Jer. 17:11<\/span>; 1Ti. 6:9-10<\/span>. One who hates bribes is one who refuses to accept them (to enrich himself) or one who offers them (In hopes of profiting himself). There is far more of this in government than we realize.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:28<\/span>. Clarke: His tongue never runs before his wit; he never speaks rashly, and never unadvisedly; because he studiespondershis thoughts and his words. A wise person is slow to speak (Jas. 1:19<\/span>) so as to tell the exact truth and to say what should be said. The chief priests and elders deliberated in answering Jesus (they studied before answering), but it was not righteous (Mat. 21:23-27<\/span>). The mouth of wicked poureth out evil things suggests that they speak with ease, giving no forethought to what they are about to say. And, oh, the wrong things that get said in this way!<\/p>\n Pro. 15:29<\/span>. Mans wickedness puts distance between himself and God (Isa. 59:2<\/span>). God hears the prayer of the righteous, but His face is against the wicked (Psa. 34:15-18<\/span>; 1Pe. 3:12<\/span>; Psa. 145:18-20<\/span>). The godly person finds joy in walking with God, and when he needs special help, he can call upon Him. The ungodly relinquish all this to their sin.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:30<\/span>. The sunlight and other beautiful things that man sees bring joy to his heart, and the good news that he hears makes him feel good and results in good health. What one sees and hears, then, affects the way he feels, and the way he feels affects the functions of his body. People who trust instead of fret, who pray instead of worry, who thank God rather than complain, etc. are bound to have better health than those who do otherwise.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:31<\/span>. <\/span>Pro. 15:5<\/span> said that the person who regarded reproof would get wisdom. This verse says that such will abide among the wise. See Pro. 15:10<\/span>; Pro. 15:12<\/span> also. An old proverb: Advice is for them that will take it. Stephen referred to his hearers ears as uncircumcised (Act. 7:51<\/span>). The ear cannot always hear what is pleasing and commendatory, as much as we would like it that way. Praise may be pleasing, but reproof may be more profitable. All of us need both.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:32<\/span>. This verse treats both responses to reproof. One refusing correction may appear to be despising the one reproving him, but in reality he is despising his own best interests; he is hurting himself. The inclusion of so many sayings on correction indicates the amount of this that will come to us in life. Their purpose is to get us to accept it for our own betterment.<\/p>\n Pro. 15:33<\/span>. Compare with Pro. 1:7<\/span>. To learn true reverence for God is true wisdom. Wisdom would instruct us to this fear through parents, through the Scriptures, and through our religious leaders and religious associates. Honor does precede humility: it was so with Jesus (Php. 2:7-11<\/span>); it was so with the penitent publican (Luk. 18:13-14<\/span>); and we must be converted (humbled) before we become Christians (honor).<\/p>\n TEST QUESTIONS OVER 15:23-33<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.<\/p>\n What are some other verses besides Pro. 15:23<\/span> on giving a right answer?<\/p>\n 2.<\/p>\n What famous statement of Jesus tells us to choose the way that leads to life (Pro. 15:24<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 3.<\/p>\n What was stated about borders or boundaries (Pro. 15:25<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 4.<\/p>\n What all would be included under evil devices (Pro. 15:26<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 5.<\/p>\n Who were some Bible characters who troubled their own house through greed (Pro. 15:27<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 6.<\/p>\n In what area of life are bribes the most apt to occur (Pro. 15:27<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 7.<\/p>\n What is the contrast in speech between the righteous and the wicked in Pro. 15:28<\/span>?<\/p>\n 8.<\/p>\n In what sense is God far from the wicked (Pro. 15:29<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 9.<\/p>\n What is said of both sight and hearing in Pro. 15:30<\/span>?<\/p>\n 10.<\/p>\n Who accused his hearers of having uncircumcised ears (Pro. 15:31<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 11.<\/p>\n Who is hurt the more when one refuses correctionthe reprover or the reproved (Pro. 15:32<\/span>)?<\/p>\n 12.<\/p>\n Who in the Bible were humble before they were honored (Pro. 15:33<\/span>)?<\/p>\n (23) A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth.<\/strong>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 (Pro. 16:1<\/span>).<\/p>\n 23<\/strong>. <\/strong> This proverb may bear some reference to the preceding, and to the ability to speak well and readily in the divan or council. But in general it is a great pleasure to a man to be able to speak profitably to others, and especially to speak a word so seasonably as to effect some good which, without that word, would have been left undone. The Orientals have a high appreciation of ready and appropriate answers. Comp. Mat 12:28<\/span>; Pro 10:20-21<\/span>; Pro 10:31-32<\/span>; Pro 25:11<\/span>.<\/p>\n The Counsel Of A Wise Man Is Carefully Considered, And Is Therefore A Joy And Useful. It Results In Men Finding Perpetual Life In Contrast With The Devastations Coming On The Unrighteous ( Pro 15:23-28<\/strong><\/span><\/strong> ).<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n This subsection can be seen as contained within the inclusio of Pro 15:23<\/span>; Pro 15:28<\/span>, which contrast the mouth of the righteous (Pro 15:23<\/span>) with that of the unrighteous (Pro 15:28<\/span>), with Pro 15:23<\/span> also referring to the response of the mouth of the righteous, and Pro 15:28<\/span> referring to the response of the righteous man’s heart. Thus the mouth of the righteous causes joy (Pro 15:23<\/span>), whilst the mouth of the unrighteous pours out evil things (Pro 15:28<\/span>). Furthermore the mouth of the righteous causes joy (Pro 15:23<\/span>) because the heart of the righteous thinks carefully before it answers (Pro 15:28<\/span>). And it causes joy because ‘pleasant words are pure’ (Pro 15:26<\/span>).<\/p>\n The consequence of what is described is that the righteous enjoy life beyond the grave (Pro 15:24<\/span>), and will live (Pro 15:27<\/span>), whilst the unrighteous will have their house rooted up (Pro 15:25<\/span>), and will bring trouble on their own house (Pro 15:27<\/span>) because their schemes are an abomination to YHWH (Pro 15:26<\/span>).<\/p>\n The subsection is constructed chiastically as follows:<\/p>\n A <\/strong> A man has joy in the ANSWER of his MOUTH, and a word in due season, how good it is (Pro 15:23<\/span>).<\/p>\n B <\/strong> To the wise the way of LIFE goes upward, that he may depart from Sheol beneath (Pro 15:24<\/span>).<\/p>\n C <\/strong> YHWH will root up the house of the proud, but he will establish the border of the widow (Pro 15:25<\/span>).<\/p>\n C <\/strong> Evil devices are an abomination to YHWH, but pleasant words are pure (Pro 15:26<\/span>)<\/p>\n B <\/strong> He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will LIVE (Pro 15:27<\/span>).<\/p>\n A <\/strong> The heart of the righteous studies (thinks carefully) to ANSWER, but the MOUTH of the wicked pours out evil things (Pro 15:28<\/span>).<\/p>\n Note that in A there is reference to the mouth (of the righteous) and its product (joy), whilst in the parallel we find reference to the mouth of the unrighteous and its product (evil things). In B there is reference to ‘life’ and in the parallel to ‘living’. In C and its parallel there is a reference to YHWH and His attitude towards pride and evil devices.<\/p>\n Pro 15:23<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n ‘A man has joy in the answer of his mouth,<\/p>\n And a word in due season, how good it is!’<\/p>\n One again an emphasis is laid on the importance of what men say. ‘A man’ (any man) has joy in the response that comes from the mouth of a wise counsellor (‘his mouth’ referring back to the wise counsellors of Pro 15:22<\/span>; compare also Pro 15:28<\/span>). And this is because a word in season, a word given at the right time, is so valuable. It is especially so when it enables him to ensure the bringing about of (it establishes) his aims (Pro 15:22<\/span>).<\/p>\n The reference to joy connects back verbally with Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Matthew Henry’s Whole Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n