Proverbs 18:1
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
Original Language Analysis
לְֽ֭תַאֲוָה
Through desire
H8378
לְֽ֭תַאֲוָה
Through desire
Strong's:
H8378
Word #:
1 of 6
a longing; by implication, a delight (subjectively, satisfaction, objectively, a charm)
יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
himself seeketh
H1245
יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ
himself seeketh
Strong's:
H1245
Word #:
2 of 6
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
נִפְרָ֑ד
a man having separated
H6504
נִפְרָ֑ד
a man having separated
Strong's:
H6504
Word #:
3 of 6
to break through, i.e., spread or separate (oneself)
בְּכָל
H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Proverbs 20:3It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.Proverbs 24:21My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:Jeremiah 15:17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.Jude 1:19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.Mark 1:35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.Proverbs 14:10The heart knoweth his own bitterness; and a stranger doth not intermeddle with his joy.Proverbs 26:17He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.Exodus 33:16For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.Matthew 13:44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.Proverbs 20:19He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Historical Context
Ancient society was corporate and interdependent—voluntary isolation was rare and viewed suspiciously. God designed humans for community, making hermit-like separation contrary to creation order.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you isolate yourself to avoid accountability or pursue selfish desires?
- How can you more fully engage in Christian community for mutual growth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Isolating oneself to pursue selfish desires demonstrates pride's antisocial tendency. The one who separates rages against sound wisdom, rejecting the counsel and accountability of community. This warns against individualism that spurns the body of Christ's mutual edification.