Proverbs 22:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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

Complete Jewish Bible:

for it is pleasant to keep them deep within you; have all of them ready on your lips.

Berean Standard Bible:

for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.

American Standard Version:

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For it is a pleasant thing^{H5273} if thou keep^{H8104} them within^{H990} thee; they shall withal^{H3162} be fitted^{H3559} in thy lips^{H8193}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:

BibleHub.com BibleRef.com

Commentary for Proverbs 22:18

Proverbs 22:18 is a verse from the Hebrew Bible, specifically from the book of Proverbs, which is a collection of wise sayings and instructions. This book is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David and the third king of Israel, though it is likely that the proverbs were compiled over a longer period of time and include wisdom from various sources. The verse itself reads: "For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips."

The theme of this verse revolves around the value of internalizing wisdom and instruction. The "them" in the verse refers to the teachings or proverbs that are being discussed throughout the book. The verse suggests that by keeping these teachings within oneself—that is, by truly understanding, embracing, and reflecting upon them—one will naturally be able to articulate them clearly and effectively. The idea is that wisdom, when genuinely assimilated, becomes a part of who you are and is therefore readily available to guide your speech and actions.

Historically, the book of Proverbs reflects the ancient Near Eastern tradition of wisdom literature, which was intended to educate the young and to guide people in living a life of virtue and discernment. The teachings found in Proverbs would have been used in the education of youths in ancient Israel, particularly those being groomed for leadership or administrative roles. The emphasis on internalizing wisdom rather than merely memorizing or repeating it reflects the deeper educational philosophy of the time, which sought to cultivate wise and morally upright leaders.

In summary, Proverbs 22:18 emphasizes the importance of internalizing wisdom so that it shapes one's character and informs one's speech. It reflects an educational philosophy that values depth of understanding over superficial knowledge, encouraging individuals to live out the wisdom they have learned in their everyday lives. This principle remains relevant across cultures and time periods, advocating for a thoughtful and integrated approach to learning and personal development.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5273
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נָעִים
   Transliteration: nâʻîym
   Pronunciation: naw-eem'
   Description: from נָעֵם; delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative); pleasant(-ure), sweet.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8104
   There are 440 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַר
   Transliteration: shâmar
   Pronunciation: shaw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e. guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.; beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man).
   
3. Strong's Number: H990
   There are 72 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בֶּטֶן
   Transliteration: beṭen
   Pronunciation: beh'-ten
   Description: from an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything; belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3162
   There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַחַד
   Transliteration: yachad
   Pronunciation: yakh'-ad
   Description: from יָחַד; properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal.
   
5. Strong's Number: H3559
   There are 210 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כּוּן
   Transliteration: kûwn
   Pronunciation: koon
   Description: a primitive root; properly, to be erect (i.e. stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix, prepare, apply), or figurative (appoint, render sure, proper or prosperous); certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8193
   There are 164 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׂפָה
   Transliteration: sâphâh
   Pronunciation: saw-faw'
   Description: or (in dual and plural) שֶׂפֶת; probably from סָפָה or שָׁפָה through the idea of termination (compare סוֹף); the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.); band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.