Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement.(Proverbs 18:1 ESV)
Proverbs. A book about sayings that are always as clear as mud with no hint of division of interpretation, right?
It’s Great To Be Isolated
Some translations clearly suggest that this verse implies isolation is a bad thing, but there are others who give a more ambiguous reading especially from their commentary of the older translations. The man who isolates himself can focus on the things that matter to him. They are not influenced by external forces, they can pursue it single-mindedly without distractions.
Breaking out against all sound judgement is to be perceived as something that helps to enlarge the dimensions of wisdom.
It’s Foolish To Be Isolated
A significant commentary on this verse suggests that a person who isolates themselves is actually a fool. They are selfish and insensitive certainly preferring to do their own thing rather than consider the needs and desires of others. That capacity to cut yourself off from others affects the way you’ll make decisions and also cut you off from the sound judgement that is available.
So?
What’s clear is that there are more than one to read a proverb and although it might be obvious to some, there are schools of thought that suggest otherwise. On this occasion it would help if you didn’t isolate yourself from other perspectives.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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