This verse encourages a joyful heart that is prepared to speak wisdom at a moment’s notice.
Solomon, traditionally believed to have reigned from around 971 to 931 BC, continues in Proverbs to instruct his readers on the importance of embracing wisdom. He says, “For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips” (v.18). This proclamation highlights how holding wise insights close to the heart brings joy and delight. The words that bring godly counsel are not to remain dormant; rather, they are to be carefully safeguarded within the believer’s inner self. By internalizing these words, the result is a sense of delight that flows outward, ready to be expressed as needed.
The phrase “keep them within you” (v.18) suggests diligence. Wisdom must be intentionally guarded in the mind and spirit, much like a treasure. In the broader context of Proverbs, the young or untrained heart needs instruction so that wisdom becomes second nature, rather than a concept that remains abstract or distant (Proverbs 1:1-5). Just as Jesus teaches that “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34), internalizing the teachings of Scripture forms the believer’s thoughts and shapes what is shared in conversations with others.
Finally, the statement “That they may be ready on your lips” (v.18) points to a practical outworking of wisdom. The immediate availability of spiritual truth indicates that it has been fully integrated into an individual’s life, ready to guide, encourage, and offer counsel in each circumstance. By living in such a way, believers become bearers of God’s truth and can positively influence those around them.
Set to dark mode
Proverbs 22:18 meaning
Solomon, traditionally believed to have reigned from around 971 to 931 BC, continues in Proverbs to instruct his readers on the importance of embracing wisdom. He says, “For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips” (v.18). This proclamation highlights how holding wise insights close to the heart brings joy and delight. The words that bring godly counsel are not to remain dormant; rather, they are to be carefully safeguarded within the believer’s inner self. By internalizing these words, the result is a sense of delight that flows outward, ready to be expressed as needed.
The phrase “keep them within you” (v.18) suggests diligence. Wisdom must be intentionally guarded in the mind and spirit, much like a treasure. In the broader context of Proverbs, the young or untrained heart needs instruction so that wisdom becomes second nature, rather than a concept that remains abstract or distant (Proverbs 1:1-5). Just as Jesus teaches that “the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart” (Matthew 12:34), internalizing the teachings of Scripture forms the believer’s thoughts and shapes what is shared in conversations with others.
Finally, the statement “That they may be ready on your lips” (v.18) points to a practical outworking of wisdom. The immediate availability of spiritual truth indicates that it has been fully integrated into an individual’s life, ready to guide, encourage, and offer counsel in each circumstance. By living in such a way, believers become bearers of God’s truth and can positively influence those around them.