What does Proverbs 15:23 mean?
Solomon writes once again about the value of well-chosen words (Proverbs 15:1–2, 4, 7). 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 can give 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 someone whose answers and words brought joy to those who received 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 and words, 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.
Proverbs 15:13–30 continues Solomon's contrasting descriptions of the wise and the foolish. In this book, those ideas are associated with accepting or rejecting God's truth, respectively (Proverbs 1:7). He 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, and he states that the Lord is far from the wicked but close enough to the righteous to hear their prayers.
Solomon begins this chapter of Proverbs 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.
