Note, 1. We speak wisely when we speak seasonably: The answer of the
mouth will be our credit and joy when it is pertinent and to the
purpose, and is spoken in due season, 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; 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, and how much good does it do!"