Proverbs 22:18 kjv

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

Proverbs 22:18 nkjv

For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,

Proverbs 22:18 niv

for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart and have all of them ready on your lips.

Proverbs 22:18 esv

for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

Proverbs 22:18 nlt

For it is good to keep these sayings in your heart
and always ready on your lips.

Proverbs 22 verses

Proverbs 22 18 Meaning

Proverbs 22:18 emphasizes the dual necessity of wisdom: internalizing it deeply and being able to articulate it readily. It communicates that true delight and benefit come from wisdom being so ingrained within one's inner being that it is spontaneously available for expression through speech, counsel, and conduct. The verse portrays wisdom not as mere intellectual knowledge, but as a transforming principle that resides in the heart and flows effortlessly from the lips, making it pleasant and effective for navigating life and interacting with others.

Proverbs 22 18 Context

Proverbs 22:18 belongs to a distinct section often referred to as "the Sayings of the Wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34). This specific verse follows a direct exhortation (v. 17) to listen attentively to the "words of the wise" and apply one's heart to instruction. It articulates why such heed and application are beneficial. The surrounding verses in this collection further elaborate on ethical conduct, justice, and warnings against various forms of folly and sin, setting the backdrop for the practical application of internalized wisdom. The historical and cultural context for this ancient Israelite wisdom literature involves a societal emphasis on learning and passing down practical, moral, and theological truths, often within a familial or mentor-disciple setting. There isn't a direct polemic here against contemporary beliefs, but rather an affirmation of a way of life (wisdom) that stands in contrast to common folly or destructive behavior.

Proverbs 22 18 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - kî): This conjunction serves as an intensifier, often introducing the reason, explanation, or consequence for the preceding statement (Proverbs 22:17). It connects the benefit described in v.18 to the instruction to listen and apply one's heart to wisdom in v.17.
• it will be pleasant (נָעִים - nāʿim): Means agreeable, delightful, lovely, or sweet. This denotes not just emotional pleasure but a deep satisfaction and beneficial outcome for one's life. The pleasantness is the result or consequence of embodying wisdom, not just an aesthetic appreciation of it.
• if you keep them (תִּשְׁמְרֵם - tišmᵉrēm from שָׁמַר - shamar): Shamar implies to guard, preserve, observe, protect, heed, or retain. It signifies an intentional and diligent effort to internalize the words, not merely to hear them passively. The plural suffix 'them' refers to the "words of the wise" mentioned in verse 17.
• within you (בְּבִטְנֶךָ - bĕbiṭnekā): Literally "in your belly" or "in your inward parts." In Hebrew thought, the "belly" or "bowels" often signified the core of a person's being, representing the mind, heart, emotions, and intellect – the seat of understanding and profound feeling. It indicates true assimilation, not superficial memory.
• if all of them are ready (וְיִכֹּנוּ יַחַד - wǝyikōnū yāḥaḏ):
  • wǝyikōnū (from כוּן - kûn): Meaning to be established, firm, fixed, prepared, or ready. This form implies a state of being firmly in place or prepared for use.
  • yāḥaḏ: Means "together," "at the same time," or "unitedly." In this context, it reinforces the idea that these wise words are firmly united and present collectively within and ready on the lips. The ESV "all of them" is an interpretive rendering, emphasizing the collective body of words being ready. The emphasis is on the unified, accessible nature of internalized wisdom.
• on your lips (עַל־שְׂפָתֶיךָ - ʿal-śǝpāṯeykā): Refers to the mouth and the act of speaking. This signifies the outflow of the internalized wisdom into spoken word – whether for counsel, teaching, wise answers, or everyday communication. It contrasts deeply held truth with truth that cannot be articulated when needed.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you": This phrase highlights the personal and inherent reward of internalizing wisdom. The "pleasantness" is not external gain but an inner state of peace, effectiveness, and delight derived from truly possessing wisdom at one's core. It establishes the foundational benefit of deep retention.
• "if all of them are ready on your lips": This extends the benefit to the realm of outward expression. It's not enough for wisdom to be a hidden treasure; it must be readily available for articulation. The "readiness" implies that wise responses are not labored or sought after, but flow naturally because the wisdom has been thoroughly assimilated and established within. The emphasis on "lips" points to the practical, real-world application of wisdom in speech and communication, reflecting an inner state.

Proverbs 22 18 Bonus section

The Hebrew word yahad ("together") which translates to "all of them are ready" in some versions, actually carries the nuance of unity and simultaneity. This suggests that the wisdom is not merely compartmentalized internally and also on the lips, but that it exists together in both states—unified in being deeply known and readily available for expression. It highlights the coherence between thought and speech for the wise individual. This verse provides a framework for practical discipleship: Hear divine truth, meditate on it until it becomes part of your very essence, and then allow that integrated truth to shape your speech and actions effortlessly, bringing benefit to yourself and those around you. This is integral for maintaining both inner peace and relational effectiveness.

Proverbs 22 18 Commentary

Proverbs 22:18 succinctly encapsulates the profound impact of genuine wisdom, describing a two-fold process of assimilation and expression. It urges a diligence in handling wisdom not just as external information, but as something to be "guarded" deep "within." This implies meditative thought, active reflection, and consistent integration of principles into one's being. The "pleasantness" spoken of is a divinely granted peace and a joyful assurance that accompanies a life aligned with true understanding, offering solutions and clarity amidst confusion. Beyond mere internal comfort, this verse emphasizes the outflow. When wisdom truly dwells within, it becomes spontaneously "ready on your lips." This readiness means not fumbling for answers or speaking impulsively, but being prepared to offer timely, insightful, and beneficial words. It transforms one's speech into a source of help, encouragement, or wise counsel for others, marking the wise person as one whose inner character naturally expresses itself through effective and discerning communication.