Proverbs 22:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 22:18 articulates the profound delight and practical efficacy that stem from the deep internalization of wisdom. It posits that when divine truth and wise counsel are not merely heard but are diligently embraced, meditated upon, and integrated into the very core of one's being, they will naturally, appropriately, and effectively manifest in one's verbal communication. This verse thus highlights the organic and pleasant connection between a heart transformed by wisdom and speech that is discerning, timely, and impactful, presenting wisdom as an inherently satisfying and empowering force in life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 22:18 is situated within a distinct section of the Book of Proverbs (chapters 22-24) often referred to as "The Words of the Wise." This collection differs from the earlier Solomonic proverbs by frequently adopting a direct, instructional tone, resembling a teacher's exhortation to a student. Verse 18 directly follows and elaborates upon the imperative found in [Proverbs 22:17](/proverbs/22-17 "Proverbs 22:17 - Hear the Words of the Wise"), which commands the reader to "bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge." The present verse then describes the positive and natural outcome of such diligent application and internalization, emphasizing that true wisdom, once deeply rooted, inevitably finds appropriate and effective expression through speech. It is an integral part of a broader pedagogical framework designed to cultivate a life characterized by discernment, righteousness, and effective communication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom was far more than mere intellectual accumulation; it was a practical, moral, and spiritual skill essential for living righteously and prosperously within the covenant community. Wisdom literature, including Proverbs, served as foundational educational texts, particularly for young men being prepared for responsible roles in society. The culture placed immense value on oral tradition, with proverbs and teachings often memorized, recited, and meditated upon. The phrase "keep them within thee" reflects this cultural emphasis on deep integration of knowledge into one's personal identity, moving beyond superficial understanding to a profound, internal transformation. The ability to speak wisely, to have words "fitted in thy lips," was highly esteemed, as effective and discerning speech was crucial for dispensing justice, offering counsel, maintaining social harmony, and reflecting one's inner character and understanding of divine principles, echoing the importance of a king's wise judgments or an elder's sagacious advice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs and broader biblical literature. It fundamentally addresses the theme of the **Internalization of Wisdom**, underscoring that genuine wisdom is not a superficial veneer but must penetrate the deepest recesses of one's being, transforming the heart and mind. This concept resonates with passages like [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart"), where the psalmist expresses the desire to "hide thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." Another significant theme is the **Readiness and Efficacy of Speech**, indicating that when wisdom is truly internalized, it becomes readily accessible and articulate, enabling one to speak with discernment and impact. This aligns with Proverbs' pervasive emphasis on the power of the tongue, often contrasting the life-giving nature of wise speech with the destructive potential of foolish talk (e.g., [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken")). Furthermore, the verse highlights the **Pleasantness and Delight of Wisdom**, portraying wisdom not as an onerous burden but as an intrinsic source of joy, satisfaction, and flourishing, making life agreeable and fruitful. Finally, it reinforces the **Unity of Heart and Mouth**, a foundational biblical principle that what resides in the heart ultimately finds expression through one's words, as powerfully taught by Jesus in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pleasant thing (Hebrew, _nâʻîym'_):** From H5273, meaning "delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative); pleasant(-ure), sweet." This term conveys a sense of intrinsic satisfaction, agreeableness, and joy. It suggests that the act of internalizing and expressing wisdom is not a burdensome duty but a source of genuine pleasure and contentment, indicating that a life aligned with divine wisdom is inherently more agreeable and fruitful, leading to a profound sense of well-being.
* **keep (Hebrew, _shâmar'_):** From H8104, meaning "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)." This term implies an active, diligent, and protective preservation. It is not passive reception but an intentional, vigilant act of holding wisdom securely within oneself, safeguarding it from loss, corruption, or neglect, ensuring its enduring presence and influence.
* **fitted (Hebrew, _kûwn'_):** From H3559, meaning "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 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." This word suggests that internalized wisdom is not haphazardly expressed but is established, prepared, and made ready for appropriate articulation. It implies a natural, precise, and effective outflow of words, perfectly suited to the occasion, demonstrating stability, readiness, and an inherent rightness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [it is] a pleasant thing":** This opening clause immediately establishes the desirable and intrinsically rewarding nature of the wisdom being discussed. It frames the internalization and expression of wisdom not as an arduous obligation but as a source of deep delight and satisfaction. The "pleasantness" encompasses both the subjective joy experienced by the wise individual and the objective agreeable outcomes that wisdom brings into one's life and interactions.
* **"if thou keep them within thee":** This phrase presents the essential condition for the subsequent pleasantness and manifestation of wisdom. "Them" refers to the "words of the wise" and "my knowledge" introduced in [Proverbs 22:17](/proverbs/22-17 "Proverbs 22:17 - Hear the Words of the Wise"). The expression "within thee" (Hebrew: _beṭen_, H990) literally denotes the belly or womb, but metaphorically signifies the innermost being—the core of one's thoughts, emotions, will, and character. To "keep" (Hebrew: _shâmar_, H8104) implies an active, diligent guarding, preserving, and attending to these truths, ensuring they are deeply rooted, integrated, and cherished within one's very essence, not merely residing on the periphery of the mind.
* **"they shall withal be fitted in thy lips":** This clause describes the natural, inevitable, and harmonious outcome of true internalization. "Withal" (Hebrew: _yachad_, H3162) suggests a united, harmonious accompaniment or simultaneous occurrence. When wisdom is deeply embedded within the inner person, it will "be fitted" (Hebrew: _kûwn_, H3559) in one's lips. This means wisdom will be established, prepared, and ready for articulation, flowing naturally, appropriately, and effectively in speech. It implies that the words spoken will be well-ordered, precise, timely, and perfectly suited for the situation, demonstrating the speaker's profound understanding, inner transformation, and readiness to communicate truth with discernment.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 22:18 skillfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message about the nature and expression of wisdom. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the vivid imagery of "keep them within thee" and "fitted in thy lips." Wisdom, an abstract concept, is metaphorically treated as something tangible that can be stored in the "belly" (representing the innermost being) and then prepared and arranged for utterance through the "lips." This makes the process of internalizing and expressing truth concrete and relatable. The verse also exhibits a subtle **Chiasm** (an ABBA structure) in its progression: the pleasantness (A) of keeping wisdom internally (B) leads to its external fitting (B') and the resulting pleasantness of speech (A'). This chiastic structure emphasizes the reciprocal and harmonious relationship between inner transformation and outward expression. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synecdoche** or **Merism**, where "lips" represent the entirety of one's verbal communication, and "within thee" (literally "belly" or "womb") represents the totality of one's inner being—mind, heart, and spirit. This highlights the comprehensive and holistic impact of wisdom on the whole person.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 22:18 articulates a foundational biblical truth: genuine wisdom is not merely intellectual assent or superficial knowledge, but a profound transformation of the inner person that inevitably manifests in outward behavior, most notably in one's speech. The "heart" (often represented by "belly" in Hebrew thought as the seat of one's deepest being, encompassing intellect, emotion, and will) is understood as the wellspring of life, and what fills it will ultimately overflow through the mouth. This verse teaches that when God's truth is diligently guarded, cherished, and integrated into our core identity, our words become instruments of grace, discernment, and blessing, rather than sources of folly or destruction. It underscores the divine design for human communication to reflect the wisdom and character of God, emphasizing that righteous, timely, and effective speech is a natural byproduct of a righteous and wise heart.

* [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart")
* [Matthew 12:34](/matthew/12-34 "Matthew 12:34 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart")
* [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - A Good Man Brings Forth Good Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 22:18 serves as a profound and practical call to intentional and deep engagement with divine wisdom. It challenges us to move beyond a superficial hearing or mere intellectual accumulation of knowledge, urging us to truly "keep" God's word within our innermost being. This involves a disciplined and devoted process of meditation, prayerful reflection, and allowing truth to deeply shape our affections, desires, and convictions. When we diligently guard and internalize wisdom in this way, our speech naturally undergoes a profound transformation, becoming clear, discerning, and impactful. Our words cease to be impulsive, ill-considered, or empty, and instead become "fitted"—well-ordered, appropriate, timely, and effective expressions of truth and grace. This proverb encourages us to cultivate a life where our inner world is so thoroughly saturated with God's wisdom that our outward communication consistently reflects His character and principles, making us sources of blessing, insight, and edification to those around us. It is a pathway to living a life marked by integrity between what we believe and how we speak.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How intentionally do I "keep" God's word and wise counsel within my innermost being, going beyond mere reading or hearing to deep internalization?**
* **In what specific ways does my current speech reflect what I have (or have not) truly internalized from divine wisdom?**
* **What practical steps can I take to more deeply meditate on, guard, and integrate Scripture into my heart and mind, allowing it to transform my inner landscape?**
* **How might a greater internalization of wisdom transform my daily conversations, my counsel to others, or my public communication for God's glory?**

### FAQ

**What does "keep them within thee" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Keep them within thee" (from the Hebrew _shâmar_ and _beṭen_) means to diligently guard, preserve, and deeply integrate wisdom into the innermost parts of your being—your mind, emotions, and will. Practically, this involves far more than just hearing or reading God's word. It means actively meditating on Scripture, pondering its profound implications, allowing it to thoroughly shape your thoughts and desires, memorizing key passages, and consistently applying its principles to every facet of your life until it becomes an intrinsic and inseparable part of who you are. It's about letting wisdom fundamentally transform your inner landscape, rather than merely residing on the surface of your intellect. This deep internalization ensures that wisdom is always accessible and foundational to your identity, much like the psalmist's earnest desire to hide God's word in his heart in [Psalm 119:11](/psalms/119-11 "Psalm 119:11 - Hiding God's Word in the Heart").

**How does internalized wisdom become "fitted in thy lips"?**

Answer: When wisdom is truly internalized, it becomes "fitted" (from the Hebrew _kûwn_, meaning established, prepared, or made ready) in your lips because it has profoundly transformed your thought processes, character, and worldview. Your mind becomes trained by divine truth, and your heart becomes aligned with God's righteous ways. Consequently, when you speak, your words are not haphazard, impulsive, or ill-considered, but are naturally informed by this deep inner wisdom. They become appropriate, timely, discerning, and effective, much like a perfectly crafted tool precisely suited for its specific task. This is the natural, organic outflow of a heart saturated with truth, as Jesus powerfully taught in [Luke 6:45](/luke/6-45 "Luke 6:45 - Out of the Abundance of the Heart"): "For of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." It signifies that your speech authentically reflects a prepared mind and a wise spirit.

**Is wisdom always "a pleasant thing," even when it involves difficult truths or correction?**

Answer: Yes, the verse declares it "a pleasant thing" (from the Hebrew _nâʻîym_, meaning delightful or agreeable), and this pleasantness is ultimately true. While the *pursuit* of wisdom can indeed involve challenging self-examination, repentance, and difficult decisions, the *outcome* and *possession* of wisdom are inherently pleasant and bring deep satisfaction. Wisdom brings clarity, profound peace, spiritual security, and ultimately, a life aligned with God's divine design, which is the most fulfilling and agreeable path for humanity. Even when wisdom leads to necessary correction or painful growth, the overarching pleasantness stems from the joy of spiritual maturity, righteousness, the avoidance of greater folly or pain, and the flourishing that accompanies a life lived in accordance with divine truth. It is the deep, abiding satisfaction of living a life that is true, good, and beautiful in God's eyes, leading to genuine spiritual delight, as richly described throughout [Proverbs 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - Benefits of Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 22:18 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's wisdom. While the proverb speaks of internalizing "the words of the wise," Christ Himself is revealed in the New Testament as "the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). In Him, wisdom was not merely "kept within"; it was His very divine nature, perfectly and flawlessly expressed in His every word and deed. His teachings, from the profound Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount")) to His insightful parables, were not merely intellectual exercises but flowed organically and powerfully from the absolute purity, truth, and divine essence within His unique divine-human person. His words were always perfectly "fitted in His lips"—impeccably timed, profoundly insightful, and powerfully effective, whether He was teaching the multitudes with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Authority of Jesus' Teaching")), rebuking hypocrisy with righteous indignation ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), or offering comfort, healing, and forgiveness to the broken. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are now graciously enabled to have Christ's wisdom dwell richly within them ([Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")), empowering their lips to speak words that are pleasing to God, edifying to others, and reflective of the divine wisdom that has taken root in their transformed hearts, thus fulfilling the spirit of this proverb in the new covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 2:10

¶ When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

Jeremiah 15:16

Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.

Proverbs 15:7

¶ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish [doeth] not so.

Proverbs 8:6

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.

Psalms 119:103

¶ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

Proverbs 10:21

The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.

Proverbs 24:13

¶ My son, eat thou honey, because [it is] good; and the honeycomb, [which is] sweet to thy taste: