For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they shall with be fitted in your lips.
it is
Proverbs 2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Proverbs 24:13,14 My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste: …
within thee
Job 32:18,19 For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me…
John 7:38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
fitted
Proverbs 8:6 Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.
Proverbs 10:13,21 In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding…
Proverbs 15:7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
when you keep them within you
This phrase underscores the importance of internalizing wisdom, not just having a superficial understanding. The heart, in Hebrew thought, is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Keeping wisdom within suggests a deep, transformative process that affects one's entire life. This is reminiscent of Deuteronomy 6:6, where the Israelites are commanded to keep God's commandments on their hearts. The internalization of wisdom is also a safeguard against sin, as seen in Psalm 119:11, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."
and they are constantly on your lips
This phrase highlights the importance of speaking wisdom regularly, indicating that what fills the heart will naturally overflow into speech. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, oral tradition was a primary means of transmitting knowledge and values. The constant articulation of wisdom ensures that it is not only remembered but also shared with others, fostering a community grounded in godly principles. This is echoed in Joshua 1:8, where Joshua is instructed to keep the Book of the Law always on his lips. The New Testament also reflects this principle in Colossians 3:16, encouraging believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them, teaching and admonishing one another.
Proverbs 22:18 opens with a reminder that God’s wisdom isn’t merely useful—it brings delight. Psalm 19:8 says, “The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart,” and Proverbs 3:17 calls the paths of wisdom “pleasant.” The Father takes pleasure when His children treasure His words, and that same pleasure becomes ours as we embrace them.
Key takeaways:
• God’s commands are never burdensome; they are sources of joy (1 John 5:3).
• Delighting in Scripture honors the Giver of that Scripture.
• Joy in God’s truth fuels obedience (Nehemiah 8:10).
The phrase points to internalization. Deuteronomy 6:6 urges, “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts,” while Colossians 3:16 adds, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” To “keep” means more than casual reading; it involves:
• Memorizing sections that speak to daily life.
• Meditating—slowly turning the truth over in the mind (Psalm 1:2).
• Guarding that truth against competing voices (Proverbs 4:23).
When God’s wisdom rests deep inside, it shapes motives, calms fears, and guides choices even before words are spoken.
What fills the heart naturally flows from the mouth (Matthew 12:34). Joshua 1:8 commands, “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth,” and Psalm 119:13 models, “With my lips I proclaim all the judgments of Your mouth.” Speaking Scripture reinforces learning and serves others:
• Encouragement—offering God’s promises to those in need (Isaiah 50:4).
• Correction—graciously bringing truth to error (2 Timothy 3:16).
• Worship—declaring His greatness aloud (Psalm 71:15).
Regularly articulating God’s words keeps them fresh, safeguards from forgetfulness, and witnesses to a watching world.
Proverbs 22:18 teaches that God’s wisdom delights the soul, belongs deep within, and should shape our speech. Enjoy it, store it, and speak it—because a life saturated with Scripture pleases the Lord and blesses everyone around you.
(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 (Psalm 141:3), to teach him what to say in difficulty (Mark 13:11), how to speak without fear even before kings (Psalm 119:46); by them the "praises of God" will ever be in his mouth (Psalm 149:6).Verse 18. - This verse gives the reason for the previous exhortation. It is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; in thy mind and memory (comp. Proverbs 18:8; Proverbs 20:27). Thus Psalm 147:1, "It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely." They shall withal be fitted in thy lips. This rendering hardly suits the hortatory nature of the introduction. It is better to take the clause in the optative, as Delitzsch, Ewald, Nowack, and ethers: "Let them abide altogether upon thy lips;" i.e. be not ashamed to profess them openly, let them regulate thy words, teach thee wisdom and discretion. Septuagint, "And if thou admit them to thy heart, they shall likewise gladden thee on thy lips."