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Proverbs 22:18

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Proverbs 22:18 is part of a section in the Book of Proverbs (chapters 22-24) often referred to as "The Words of the Wise." This particular verse builds directly on the preceding verse, Proverbs 22:17, which calls for the reader to "bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge." Verse 18 then explains the profound benefit and pleasantness of truly internalizing and mastering this wisdom, indicating that it will naturally manifest in one's speech.

Key Themes

  • Internalization of Wisdom: The phrase "if thou keep them within thee" emphasizes the critical step of not just hearing or possessing knowledge, but deeply meditating on it, making it a part of one's inner being, and storing it in the heart. This active process ensures the wisdom is truly understood and owned.
  • Readiness of Speech: "they shall withal be fitted in thy lips" signifies that when wisdom is genuinely internalized, it becomes readily accessible and articulate. It suggests that wise words will flow naturally, appropriately, and effectively from the individual, much like "apples of gold in pictures of silver" – words that are perfectly timed and phrased.
  • The Pleasantness of Wisdom: The verse begins by declaring it "a pleasant thing." This highlights that engaging with and embodying wisdom is not a burdensome task but brings delight, satisfaction, and spiritual joy. It suggests that a life guided by divine wisdom is inherently more agreeable and fruitful.
  • Unity of Heart and Mouth: This proverb underscores the biblical principle that what is stored in the heart eventually comes out through the mouth. True wisdom transforms not just one's thoughts but also one's communication.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "pleasant thing" is na'em (נָעֵם), meaning delightful, agreeable, or beautiful. It conveys a sense of intrinsic satisfaction and joy that comes from possessing and expressing wisdom. The word translated "fitted" is kun (כּוּן), which means to establish, prepare, or make ready. This implies that internalized wisdom is not haphazardly spoken but is prepared and organized within the mind, ready to be articulated clearly and effectively.

Practical Application

Proverbs 22:18 encourages believers to go beyond superficial learning of God's word and wise counsel. It calls for a deeper engagement—to truly digest, ponder, and make truth a part of who we are. When we allow wisdom to dwell richly within us, it equips us to speak with clarity, discernment, and grace in all situations. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that genuine wisdom transforms our hearts, which in turn shapes our words, making our speech a source of blessing and insight to others. It aligns with the idea of hiding God's word in our hearts so that we might not sin and be prepared to share truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 2:10 (4 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 15:16 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 8:6 (3 votes)

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

  • Psalms 119:103 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 10:21 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 24:13 (2 votes)

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