Proverbs 22:18

18 It is pleasant if you keep them in mind [so that] they will be on the tip of your tongue,

Proverbs 22:18 Meaning and Commentary

Proverbs 22:18

For [it is] a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee,
&c.] Or, "in thy belly" ^F1. 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, ( Psalms 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" ^F2; being received into the heart, and digested there, they shall easily and freely go off the tongue, which shall be as the pen of a ready writer; they shall be delivered in a regular manner, with great liberty and facility; by a good digestion of Gospel truths, and a comfortable experience of them, persons become apt to teach others.

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FOOTNOTES:

F1 (Knjbb) "in ventre tuo", V. L. Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Mercerus, Cocceius, Gejerus, Michaelis, Schultens.
F2 (wnwk) "disponantur", Vatablus.

Proverbs 22:18 In-Context

16 Oppressing the poor for profit [or] giving to the rich certainly leads to poverty.

17 Open your ears, and hear the words of wise people, and set your mind on the knowledge I give you.

18 It is pleasant if you keep them in mind [so that] they will be on the tip of your tongue,

19 so that your trust may be in the LORD. Today I have made them known to you, especially to you.

20 Didn't I write to you previously with advice and knowledge