Proverbs 18:1 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Proverbs 18:1

Comments

The proverb has in mind a person who does not wish to be influenced by anyone who is likely to oppose him. He knows that if he comes into contact with certain people they are bound to advise him against what he intends to do, and so he avoids them because he has already made up his mind to do it. He isolates himself from anyone who might stand in his way and so cuts himself off from all serious warning or correction. That leaves him free to make up his own mind and choose his own way. He fully intends to go in a way that rebels against the wisdom passed down to him, for he has goals that lie in forbidden territory which he cannot reach unless he is prepared to cross ancient boundaries. He knows he will feel uncomfortable if he hears others telling him this is wrong, so he makes quite sure he is out of range of their admonition.

Application

There are those who never fit into the body of Christ because they are not willing to submit to others and to the ministry of the local church. They cannot give up the spirit of individualism that they had before and so often wander from church to church or else operate on their own outside the local church. Some of these may be converted and may in future learn important lessons that teach them that they are just one member of the body, but others have never really let go of their unbelieving individualistic way of thinking, and these may wander eventually back into the world.

Questions

Another interpretation of this verse sees the opposite meaning and commends the man who isolates himself from worldly distractions in order to devote himself to the study of wisdom – the verb in the second part of the verse can mean ‘to break out in contention’ or ‘to expose’, ‘to lay bare’. It is better however to link this proverb to the next and to make them both describe the fault of being more concerned with our own achievements than with taking advice from anyone else. Overall, the Hebrew fits the interpretation given in the KJV, which is supported by most versions.

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Purpose

Introduction

Proverbs 18:1 Commentary and Bible Study