Proverbs 15:23 Commentary and Bible Study

Here is a man who loves the Lord, who desires to be used by God, who knows that he will face all manner of testing situations as he passes through the world, and that God will be with him but will not tell him in advance all the details of what he will encounter. This man, because he has wisdom, is determined to make good use of his mouth. He is concerned that his response to each situation is one that honours God, brings help to others, and is wedded to integrity and truth. He rejoices when he is able to give an answer which is appropriate to the situation and to speak words that are kind, strength-giving, corrective, instructive, and pure. He does not speak to draw attention to himself but to the Lord who deserves all credit for every good gift. When he can speak words that edify, he gives thanks to God because he gives instrumentality to his servants. He may speak words of simple human kindness and compassion which address earthly needs and comfort others in the miseries that are common to mankind. But he knows that though these may bring temporary relief they do not address the real problem. He knows that what men and women most need is the gospel and nothing short of this can deliver them from death and judgment. While they remain alienated from the Lord, any help they receive is treating the symptoms not the underlying illness. Therefore a believer has special joy when he is able to speak of repentance and faith, and of the cross of Christ by which men can find forgiveness and reconciliation with God. He knows the value of a soul and that there is nothing more worthwhile than to point lost souls to the Saviour of the world.A word in season or a timely word is a word taken from the store of knowledge within a man’s heart which is especially suitable to the needs of the occasion. How good it is, because it does so much good to others. It heals; it comforts, corrects, instructs, and enters into the inner recesses of another soul where nothing else could come. If it is perceived to be spoken kindly and wisely and with positive intent, it will be given access to all the locked rooms of the heart and trusted to have freedom to make any changes that it thinks fit within the heart of the one who hears it. It has the potential to impart something which is of far greater value than silver or gold, for it can add what becomes part of that person for all eternity.