How does Proverbs 22:18 guide us in teaching others God's wisdom? The Verse at a Glance Proverbs 22:18: “for it is pleasing when you keep them within you and have all of them ready on your lips.” What the Verse Literally Says • God’s wisdom must first be “within you” (lodged deep in the heart). • That same wisdom should then be “ready on your lips” (spoken freely and accurately). • Doing both is “pleasing” to God—He delights in people who store and share His truth. Internalizing Wisdom Before We Teach • Psalm 119:11—“I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” • James 1:21—receive the implanted word before acting on it. • Without personal grasp of Scripture, teaching becomes hollow information rather than life-giving truth. • Regular habits help: daily reading, memorization, meditation, and obedience cement God’s words “within you.” Keeping Wisdom Ready on Our Lips • Colossians 3:16—“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… teaching and admonishing one another.” • Luke 6:45—“out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” • A heart stocked with Scripture naturally turns conversations toward God’s wisdom, not personal opinion. • “Ready” implies preparedness—anticipate opportunities and speak with clarity, humility, and conviction. Practical Steps for Teaching God’s Wisdom 1. Read aloud: hearing Scripture engrains it (Romans 10:17). 2. Summarize each passage in your own words—helps retention. 3. Memorize key verses; keep them fresh by review. 4. Apply truth daily; lived wisdom carries authority (James 1:22). 5. Share in ordinary moments—meals, walks, work breaks (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). 6. Use questions to draw listeners in, then anchor answers in Scripture (1 Peter 3:15). 7. Guard accuracy—quote or paraphrase faithfully (2 Timothy 2:15). 8. Rely on the Spirit’s power; teaching is not merely intellectual (1 Corinthians 2:13). Why This Matters for Every Believer • Teaching is not reserved for pastors; parents, friends, mentors all pass on God’s wisdom. • A church gains strength when members converse in Scripture, encouraging one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). • An unbelieving world hears authentic, consistent truth when we speak from a heart steeped in the Word. Fruit Promised to the Faithful Teacher • Personal joy—God calls the process “pleasing.” • Confidence—truth ready on the lips counters fear (Jeremiah 1:7-9). • Influence—sound answers lead others to trust the Lord (Proverbs 22:19). • Legacy—those taught will teach others (2 Timothy 2:2). Encouragement to Stay the Course Keep pursuing that sweet balance: Scripture stored within, Scripture spoken without. As you do, Proverbs 22:18 assures you of God’s pleasure and equips you to guide others into His unchanging wisdom. |
    |