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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 22:18 for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/22-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/20_Pro_22_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 22:18 - Thirty Sayings of the Wise" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/22.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For <i>it is</i> a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/22.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, So that they may be ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/22.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/22.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be established on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/22.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For it will be pleasant if you keep them in mind [incorporating them as guiding principles]; Let them be ready on your lips [to guide and strengthen yourself and others].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/22.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/22.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For it is pleasing if you keep them within you and if they are constantly on your lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/22.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, If they be established together upon thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/22.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You will be glad that you know these sayings and can recite them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/22.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee, if they be established together upon thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/22.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />It is pleasant if you keep them in mind [so that] they will be on the tip of your tongue,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/22.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and you will be glad if you remember them and can quote them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/22.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />for it is pleasant when you treasure them within you and have them ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/22.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and they are constantly on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/22.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For it is pleasing if you keep these sayings within you, and they are ready on your lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/22.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/22.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if thou keepest them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/22.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/22.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For they are pleasant when you keep them in your heart, "" They are prepared together for your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/22.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For they are pleasant when thou dost keep them in thy heart, They are prepared together for thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/22.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For pleasant things if thou shalt watch them in thy belly; they shall be prepared together for thy lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/22.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Which shall be beautiful for thee, if thou keep it in thy bowels, and it shall flow in thy lips: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/22.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />It shall be beautiful to you, if you preserve it in your inner self, and it shall overflow from your lips,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/22.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For it will be well if you hold them within you, if they all are ready on your lips. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/22.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/22.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For both of them are pleasant, keep them within you; let them together be made ready on your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/22.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they are sweet, keep them in your gut, and they will form together upon your lips.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/22.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; Let them be established altogether upon thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/22.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />that thou mayest know that they are good: and if thou lay them to heart, they shall also gladden thee on thy lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/22-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=4509" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/22.htm">Thirty Sayings of the Wise</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17</span>Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise—apply your mind to my knowledge— <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/5273.htm" title="5273: nā·‘îm (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, delightful. From na'em; delightful.">it is pleasing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: ṯiš·mə·rêm (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">you keep them</a> <a href="/hebrew/990.htm" title="990: bə·ḇiṭ·ne·ḵā (Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- From an unused root probably meaning to be hollow; the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything.">within you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: yik·kō·nū (V-Nifal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3162.htm" title="3162: yaḥ·dāw (Adv) -- Unitedness. From yachad; properly, a unit, i.e. unitedly.">and they are constantly</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8193.htm" title="8193: śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā (N-fdc:: 2ms) -- Or sepheth; probably from caphah or shaphah through the idea of termination; the lip; by implication, language; by analogy, a margin.">your lips.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>So that your trust may be in the LORD, I instruct you today—yes, you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a></span><br />I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6-7</a></span><br />These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. / And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a></span><br />This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in all you do.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-21.htm">James 1:21-22</a></span><br />Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. / Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a></span><br />But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-25</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/19-14.htm">Psalm 19:14</a></span><br />May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-97.htm">Psalm 119:97</a></span><br />Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-23.htm">John 14:23</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a></span><br />But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they shall with be fitted in your lips.</p><p class="hdg">it is</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/2-10.htm">Proverbs 2:10</a></b></br> When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-17.htm">Proverbs 3:17</a></b></br> Her ways <i>are</i> ways of pleasantness, and all her paths <i>are</i> peace.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/24-13.htm">Proverbs 24:13,14</a></b></br> My son, eat thou honey, because <i>it is</i> good; and the honeycomb, <i>which is</i> sweet to thy taste: … </p><p class="hdg">within thee</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-18.htm">Job 32:18,19</a></b></br> For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/7-38.htm">John 7:38</a></b></br> He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.</p><p class="hdg">fitted</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/8-6.htm">Proverbs 8:6</a></b></br> Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips <i>shall be</i> right things.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-13.htm">Proverbs 10:13,21</a></b></br> In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found: but a rod <i>is</i> for the back of him that is void of understanding… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-7.htm">Proverbs 15:7</a></b></br> The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish <i>doeth</i> not so.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/139-4.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-10.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-18.htm">Established</a> <a href="/psalms/11-2.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/140-4.htm">Keepest</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-19.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Together</a> <a href="/psalms/141-10.htm">Withal</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-1.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/songs/4-7.htm">Altogether</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-21.htm">Delight</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-3.htm">Established</a> <a href="/songs/3-10.htm">Fitted</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/26-3.htm">Keepest</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-16.htm">Lips</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Pleasant</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-8.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/songs/3-8.htm">Prepared</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-25.htm">Ready</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-13.htm">Together</a> <a href="/isaiah/30-14.htm">Withal</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-7.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 22</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">A good name is more desirable than great wealth</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the biblical context, the pursuit of wisdom is often associated with a life that is aligned with God's will, leading to a sense of fulfillment and joy. The Hebrew concept of wisdom (chokmah) is not merely intellectual but involves living in accordance with divine principles. This aligns with <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Psalm 1:2</a>, where the blessed man delights in the law of the Lord. The idea of pleasing God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a>, which states that without faith, it is impossible to please Him.<p><b>when you keep them within you</b><br>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 <a href="/deuteronomy/6-6.htm">Deuteronomy 6:6</a>, 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 <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Psalm 119:11</a>, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."<p><b>and they are constantly on your lips</b><br>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 <a href="/joshua/1-8.htm">Joshua 1:8</a>, where Joshua is instructed to keep the Book of the Law always on his lips. The New Testament also reflects this principle in <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a>, encouraging believers to let the word of Christ dwell richly among them, teaching and admonishing one another.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs are intended to impart wisdom and understanding.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live by His wisdom and commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wise.htm">The Wise</a></b><br>A general term for those who seek and apply God's wisdom in their lives, as opposed to the foolish who reject it.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/internalization_of_wisdom.htm">Internalization of Wisdom</a></b><br>True wisdom is not just about knowing God's words but internalizing them so they become a part of who we are. This internalization allows us to live out God's principles naturally.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/readiness_to_speak.htm">Readiness to Speak</a></b><br>Having wisdom "ready on your lips" suggests being prepared to share God's truth and apply it in daily conversations and decisions. This readiness comes from a deep understanding and commitment to God's word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pleasing_to_god.htm">Pleasing to God</a></b><br>Keeping God's wisdom within us is pleasing to Him. It reflects a heart aligned with His will and a life that seeks to honor Him in all things.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_application.htm">Practical Application</a></b><br>Wisdom should be evident in our actions and words. We are called to live out the principles of Proverbs in our daily interactions, demonstrating God's love and truth to others.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_22.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 22</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_surrendering_to_god_mean.htm">What does surrendering to God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_fame.htm">What does the Bible say about seeking fame?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_marriage_imply_singles_lack_blessing.htm">Proverbs 18:22: Does finding 'favor from the Lord' by marrying imply that the single or the divorced lack divine blessing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_'inner_child'_concept.htm">What actions are pleasing to God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/22.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">if they be established </span>(<span class= "ital">dwell constantly</span>) <span class= "ital">upon thy lips. </span>They are to be as a watch, and "keep the door of his lips" against sin (<a href="/psalms/141-3.htm" title="Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.">Psalm 141:3</a>), to teach him what to say in difficulty (<a href="/mark/13-11.htm" title="But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what you shall speak, neither do you premeditate: but whatever shall be given you in that hour, that speak you: for it is not you that speak, but the Holy Ghost.">Mark 13:11</a>), <span class= "ital">how </span>to speak without fear even before kings (<a href="/psalms/119-46.htm" title="I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.">Psalm 119:46</a>); by them the "praises of God" will ever be in his mouth (<a href="/psalms/149-6.htm" title="Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand;">Psalm 149:6</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/22.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - This verse gives the reason for the previous exhortation. <span class="cmt_word">It is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee;</span> in thy mind and memory (comp. <a href="/proverbs/18-8.htm">Proverbs 18:8</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-27.htm">Proverbs 20:27</a>). Thus <a href="/psalms/147-1.htm">Psalm 147:1</a>, "It is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely." <span class="cmt_word">They shall withal be fitted in thy lips.</span> 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;" <span class="accented">i.e.</span> 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." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/22-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">for</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it is pleasing</span><br /><span class="heb">נָ֭עִים</span> <span class="translit">(nā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5273.htm">Strong's 5273: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, delightful</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you keep</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשְׁמְרֵ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiš·mə·rêm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them within you</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּבִטְנֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ḇiṭ·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_990.htm">Strong's 990: </a> </span><span class="str2">The belly, the womb, the bosom, body of anything</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and they are constantly</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו</span> <span class="translit">(yaḥ·dāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3162.htm">Strong's 3162: </a> </span><span class="str2">A unit, unitedly</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your lips.</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׂפָתֶֽיךָ׃</span> <span class="translit">(śə·p̄ā·ṯe·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8193.htm">Strong's 8193: </a> </span><span class="str2">The lip, language, a margin</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/22-18.htm">Proverbs 22:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/22-18.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 22:18 For it is a pleasant thing if (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/22-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 22:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/22-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 22:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 22:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>