Proverbs 15:23 (ESV)
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
It is so good to get an answer that is timely, truthful and appropriate. It may be unclear if Solomon is talking about the speaker or the hearer, but either way he is focused on how a great answer is a delight. A good answer to a question or to a problem is a joy. When we are caught in a situation where we have to reach out to others and need a response to others, there willingness to respond to us appropriately comes to us a joy. How sweet is an answer. Solomon likes to talk about the concept of the issue of the "answer." Over 15 times in Proverbs he uses this word and refers to the benefits or pitfalls of the "answer." Note a couple besides our proverb above:
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 24:26
He kisses the lips
Who gives a right answer.
Proverbs 18:13
He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
A wrong answer does harm to both the hearer and the speaker. But a good answer, one based upon the principles of God's Word is a joy and a delight. We ought to be careful how we answer but we ought not delay when God gives us the appropriate and truthful answer. It is a joy and delight to the hearer. If you have the answer, give it. If you need the answer ask for it and know that when God gives it there will be joy and delight when you receive it.
To make an apt answer is a joy to a man,
and a word in season, how good it is!
It is so good to get an answer that is timely, truthful and appropriate. It may be unclear if Solomon is talking about the speaker or the hearer, but either way he is focused on how a great answer is a delight. A good answer to a question or to a problem is a joy. When we are caught in a situation where we have to reach out to others and need a response to others, there willingness to respond to us appropriately comes to us a joy. How sweet is an answer. Solomon likes to talk about the concept of the issue of the "answer." Over 15 times in Proverbs he uses this word and refers to the benefits or pitfalls of the "answer." Note a couple besides our proverb above:
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 24:26
He kisses the lips
Who gives a right answer.
Proverbs 18:13
He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
A wrong answer does harm to both the hearer and the speaker. But a good answer, one based upon the principles of God's Word is a joy and a delight. We ought to be careful how we answer but we ought not delay when God gives us the appropriate and truthful answer. It is a joy and delight to the hearer. If you have the answer, give it. If you need the answer ask for it and know that when God gives it there will be joy and delight when you receive it.
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