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Proverbs 22:18

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Proverbs 22:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.
Proverbs 22:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Proverbs 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; [But] the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.
16He that oppresseth the poor to increase his [gain], [And] he that giveth to the rich, [shall come] only to want.
17Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, And apply thy heart unto my knowledge.
18For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.
19That thy trust may be in Jehovah, I have made [them] known to thee this day, even to thee.
20Have not I written unto thee excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
21To make thee know the certainty of the words of truth, That thou mayest carry back words of truth to them that send thee?
← Proverbs 22:17Proverbs 22:19 →
← Full Chapter 22 Proverbs Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, etc.] Or, “in thy belly”f604. That is, in thine heart, in the inmost recesses of it; where the words or doctrines of the wise should be received in the love of them, and carefully laid up and retained; which will upon reflection yield much pleasure, like Ezekiel’s roll, which was in his belly as honey for sweetness; and which also is very profitable as an antidote against sin, (<19B911>Psalm 119:11); they shall withal be fitted in thy lips; become them, and be suitable and graceful to them: or, “shall be ordered [and disposed] in” or “by thy lips”f605; being received into the heart, and digested there, they shall easily and freely…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“These lessons must be laid up in the mind, and fitted--or better, "fixed" in the lips so as to be ever ready.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What is “pleasant” in the sight of God and man is the union of two things, belief passing into profession, profession resting on belief. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Fitted - Fitly expressed: thou wilt be able to discourse profitably of them. Proverbs 22:20”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“it is: Pro 2:10, Pro 3:17, Pro 24:13, Pro 24:14; Psa 19:10, Psa 119:103, Psa 119:111, Psa 119:162; Jer 15:16 within thee: Heb. within thy belly, Job 32:18, Job 32:19; Joh 7:38 fitted: Pro 8:6, Pro 10:13, Pro 10:21, Pro 15:7, Pro 16:21, Pro 25:11; Psa 119:13, Psa 119:171; Mal 2:7; Heb 13:15 Proverbs 22:19”
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Related study paths

Read Proverbs 22 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification