I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you
and have a word in season to answer others regarding the hope within me
Psalm 119 v 11 and 1 Peter 3 v 15
Chapter Summary
Solomon begins Proverbs 15 by addressing subjects such as anger and self-control
and how those reactions produce different responses from others.
That extends to how carefully a person guards their words, and their responses to questions.
Wise people seek wisdom and humbly accept it.
Foolish people are careless, lazy, or arrogant.
Solomon also notes the importance of perspective,
and once again commends those who sincerely seek godly wisdom.
Context Summary
Proverbs 15:13–30 continues Solomon's contrasting descriptions of the wise and the foolish.
Being wise or foolish is associated with accepting or rejecting God's truth (Proverbs 1:7).
Solomon writes about the gladness of the upright, wise person
and the depressing existence of the wicked, foolish person.
He contrasts attitudes, thoughts, and actions of both kinds of individuals,
stating that the Lord is far from the wicked but close enough to the righteous to hear their prayers.
What Does Proverbs 15 v 23 Mean
Solomon writes once again about the value of well-chosen words
He observes that an appropriate answer delights both the hearer and the speaker.
The emphasis here is on words which are especially well-timed and fitting to the moment at hand.
Not only is it joyful for the person who gives such an answer, it's a blessing to the one who hears.
For that to happen, the speaker needs to pursue wisdom (Proverbs 2:1–7)
and discernment (Proverbs 15:14; Hebrews 5:14)
and the hearer needs to be receptive (Proverbs 5:7; 15:31).
This ideal response might be a word of encouragement, explanation, praise, love, exhortation,
or even a word of rebuke.
Jesus is the best example of how apt answers and words bring joy to those who receive them.
His words brought life, healing, comfort, and hope.
Even the officers of the chief priests and Pharisees admitted,
"No one ever spoke like this man" (John 7:46).
Our answers, too, should bring joy to those who ask for a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15).
Like the Philippian believers, we ought to hold fast the word of life (Philippians 2:16)
and share it with others so they may have an opportunity to know the joy of salvation.
