Proverbs 22:18

Authorized King James Version

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For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נָ֭עִים For it is a pleasant thing H5273
נָ֭עִים For it is a pleasant thing
Strong's: H5273
Word #: 2 of 9
delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תִשְׁמְרֵ֣ם if thou keep H8104
תִשְׁמְרֵ֣ם if thou keep
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 4 of 9
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
בְּבִטְנֶ֑ךָ them within H990
בְּבִטְנֶ֑ךָ them within
Strong's: H990
Word #: 5 of 9
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
יִכֹּ֥נוּ be fitted H3559
יִכֹּ֥נוּ be fitted
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו thee they shall withal H3162
יַ֝חְדָּ֗ו thee they shall withal
Strong's: H3162
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 8 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפָתֶֽיךָ׃ in thy lips H8193
שְׂפָתֶֽיךָ׃ in thy lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 9 of 9
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

The wicked serves as 'ransom' for the righteous—experiencing judgment meant for God's people. Throughout history, God judges Israel's enemies while delivering His people. The principle appears in Esther (Haman executed instead of Mordecai) and in Egypt (firstborn slain while Israel spared). This doesn't mean the righteous deserve deliverance; rather, God providentially arranges circumstances to preserve His people while judging the wicked. The ultimate fulfillment is Christ—though this verse speaks of wicked for righteous, the principle's reversal points to the Righteous One ransoming sinners. God's justice ensures the wicked don't prosper indefinitely; their plots rebound upon themselves.

Historical Context

Israel's history repeatedly demonstrates this: Egyptian army drowned, Assyrians destroyed, Babylonians conquered. God judges those who touch His anointed people.

Questions for Reflection

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