Proverbs 22:18
Proverbs 22:18 in Multiple Translations
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; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.
For it is a delight to keep them in your heart, to have them ready on your lips.
for it's good to keep them in mind so you can be ready to share them.
For it shalbe pleasant, if thou keepe them in thy bellie, and if they be directed together in thy lippes.
For they are pleasant when thou dost keep them in thy heart, They are prepared together for thy lips.
For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
For it is a pleasant thing if thou keepest them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
Which shall be beautiful for thee, if thou keep it in thy bowels, and it shall flow in thy lips:
It will be good to ◄keep these things in your minds/always remember them►, because if you do that, you will be able to quote/recite them to others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 22:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 22:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
נָ֭עִים
כִּֽי
תִשְׁמְרֵ֣/ם
בְּ/בִטְנֶ֑/ךָ
יִכֹּ֥נוּ
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
עַל
שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נָ֭עִים
nâʻîym
H5273
pleasant
Adj
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תִשְׁמְרֵ֣/ם
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
בְּ/בִטְנֶ֑/ךָ
beṭen
H990
belly
Prep | N-fs | Suff
יִכֹּ֥נוּ
kûwn
H3559
to establish
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 22:18
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נָ֭עִים
nâʻîym
H5273
"pleasant"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something that sounds pleasant or sweet, like music. It is used in Psalm 100:5 to describe the pleasantness of God's works. The word also appears in other passages, such as 2 Samuel 23:1.
Definition: 1) pleasant, delightful, sweet, lovely, agreeable 1a) delightful 1b) lovely, beautiful (physical)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: pleasant(-ure), sweet. See also: 2 Samuel 1:23; Psalms 133:1; Psalms 16:6.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תִשְׁמְרֵ֣/ם
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: 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). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
בְּ/בִטְנֶ֑/ךָ
beṭen
H990
"belly"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the belly or womb, and is used to describe the seat of hunger, emotions, and even the depths of the afterlife. It is used in the Bible to describe the body and its functions. The KJV translates it as belly, body, or womb.
Definition: : abdomen 1) belly, womb, body 1a) belly, abdomen 1a1) as seat of hunger 1a2) as seat of mental faculties 1a3) of depth of Sheol (fig.) 1b) womb
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: belly, body, [phrase] as they be born, [phrase] within, womb. See also: Genesis 25:23; Psalms 22:10; Psalms 17:14.
יִכֹּ֥נוּ
kûwn
H3559
"to establish"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3mp
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: 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. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שְׂפָתֶֽי/ךָ
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
Study Notes — Proverbs 22:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 22:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:18
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
- Sermons on Proverbs 22:18
Context — Saying 1
16Oppressing the poor to enrich oneself or giving gifts to the rich will surely lead to poverty.
17Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise— apply your mind to my knowledge—
18for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.
19So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you. 20Have I not written for you thirty sayings about counsel and knowledge,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 15:16 | Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became my joy and my heart’s delight. For I bear Your name, O LORD God of Hosts. |
| 2 | Proverbs 2:10 | For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight your soul. |
| 3 | Psalms 119:103 | How sweet are Your words to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth! |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:6 | Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. |
| 5 | Proverbs 15:7 | The lips of the wise spread knowledge, but not so the hearts of fools. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:21 | The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment. |
| 7 | Hebrews 13:15 | Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name. |
| 8 | Psalms 119:162 | I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil. |
| 9 | Psalms 119:171 | My lips pour forth praise, for You teach me Your statutes. |
| 10 | Psalms 119:13 | With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth. |
Proverbs 22:18 Summary
[Proverbs 22:18 means that it is pleasing to God when we remember and think about His words all the time, and when we talk about them with others, as seen in Psalms 119:97. This helps us to trust in Him and to make good decisions, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6. By keeping God's words in our hearts and minds, we can find joy and stability in our lives, and we can also inspire and encourage others to do the same. This is because, as the Bible says in Psalms 1:1-3, those who meditate on God's words will be blessed and prosperous.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'keep them within you' in Proverbs 22:18?
To keep God's words within you means to memorize and meditate on them, as instructed in Joshua 1:8, so that they guide your thoughts and actions, bringing joy and stability to your life.
Why is it important to have God's words 'constantly on your lips'?
Having God's words constantly on your lips, as seen in Proverbs 22:18, means to be ready to share and apply them in your conversations and decisions, just as the Psalmist says in Psalms 119:13, which helps to inspire and encourage others, and to bring glory to God.
How does Proverbs 22:18 relate to trusting in the Lord?
Proverbs 22:18 is connected to Proverbs 22:19, which says that trusting in the Lord is a result of being instructed in His ways, as stated in Proverbs 22:19, and this trust is built on the foundation of knowing and applying God's words, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
What is the benefit of following the instruction in Proverbs 22:18?
The benefit of keeping God's words within you and having them on your lips is that it brings pleasure, as stated in Proverbs 22:18, and also leads to a deeper trust in the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 22:19, which in turn brings stability and prosperity to one's life, as promised in Psalms 37:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you can keep God's words within you and have them constantly on your lips?
- How does meditating on God's words bring joy and stability to your life?
- What are some challenges you face in keeping God's words at the forefront of your mind and conversations, and how can you overcome them?
- How can you use Proverbs 22:18 to encourage and inspire others to trust in the Lord?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 22:18
For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee,.... Or, "in thy belly" (a).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 22:18
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 if thou keep them within thee (in thy breast; cf. margin); they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
If thou keep them, the words of the wise, within thee, Heb. in thy belly. i.e. in thine heart, which implies receiving them in love, and retaining them in mind and memory. Be fitted; be fitly expressed; or, be disposed or ordered. The sense is, When thou hast got them into thine heart, thou wilt be able and ready to discourse pertinently and profitably of them.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
Proverbs 22:18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.Ver. 18. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee.] Heb., In thy belly; that is, in thine inwards. Truth it is, that St John found the little book he ate - whether we understand it of the revelation only, or of the whole Bible, which Bishop Bonner’ s chaplain called in scorn his little pretty God’ s book, it much matters not - bitter in his belly, though sweet in his mouth, because ministers find it grievous to be kept from making known the whole counsel of God to their people. But the word of God attentively heard, and by a later meditation well digested and incorporated into the soul, is sweeter than honey, as David felt it; and yields more pleasure than all the tasteless fooleries of this present world. They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.] Thou shalt need no other help to discourse: thou shalt get a singular dexterity and volubility of holy language, being able to utter thy mind in pure Scripture - Loquamur verba Scripturae, saith that incomparable Peter Ramus, utamur sermone Spiritus Sancti - thou shalt "so speak and so do, as one that must be judged by that law of liberty."
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
(18) They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.—Rather, if they be established (dwell constantly) upon thy lips. They are to be as a watch, and “keep the door of his lips” against sin (Psalms 141:3), to teach him what to say in difficulty (Mark 13:11), how to speak without fear even before kings (Psalms 119:46); by them the “praises of God” will ever be in his mouth (Psalms 149:6).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
Verse 18. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee] II. The pleasure and profit which may be derived from an attentive hearing. 1. They should be laid up in the heart - stored, treasured up within thee. 2. This will yield high satisfaction and happiness to the soul: "For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee." 3. The man who thus attends to the teachings of wisdom shall gain an experimental knowledge of them, so as to be able to speak of them suitably, pertinently and persuasively. "They shall withal be fitted in thy lips."
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 22:18
18. they shall withal be fitted in] Rather, if they be established together upon, R.V.; i.e. if being kept securely in thy heart they dwell constantly on thy lips.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 22:18
What is “pleasant” in the sight of God and man is the union of two things, belief passing into profession, profession resting on belief.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 22:18
18. For it is (better, it will be) a pleasant thing, etc. — The latter clause should probably have the conditional particle carried forward — if they shall be altogether established upon thy lips.
Sermons on Proverbs 22:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Christian Leadership) Lovers of the Truth by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not written in a logical or mathematical way, but rather speaks to the heart. He shares an anecdote about preaching in a se |
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Daily Renewal by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not solely relying on our physical bodies and appearances. He highlights that even though physical fitness is important, it |
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Spiritual Warfare Series - Fighting With Joy by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive truth and God's love, as it produces joy. He warns against dwelling on past hurts and encourages Chri |
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The Lord’s Prayer — Our Daily Bread by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the word of God and its power to transform lives. He highlights the need to seek God's will and pray for His kingdom to co |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 29 | More by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of continually seeking to learn and grow in our understanding of God and His Word. He uses the example of Apollos, who needed |
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The Letter S by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being close to God and having a personal relationship with Him. They use the analogy of sheep and a shepherd to illustrate |
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The Word of God by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding God's presence and fulfillment in our lives. He uses the analogy of a man whistling for his dog to illustrate how |