What is God trying to get through to me in Proverbs 18:1?
“Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.”
The thirst of a panting hart drives it to water. He separates himself from all other activities and pursuits in order to find that thirst-quenching water.
I desire wisdom. I desire God. Or at least I say I desire God and wisdom.
But from what have I “separated myself” to seek after Him?
Mark gets up to consult his Spanish Bible. Returns, puzzled.
OK, here’s how I translate the Reina-Valera 1960 Bible’s rendition of this verse:
“The one who strays does so looking for his desire, and he meddles in all business.”
Is it just me, or does that communicate a vastly different message than does the King James Version?!
At first reading it would appear so, but I see the English reading in a new light when compared to the translated Spanish version. I see the same thing now looking at both.
When we stray, or separate ourselves from God, seeking our own desires, we then begin to interfere/meddle in the business/wisdom of others. I think this is what Paul charged some with in 2 Thess. 3:11 that they were busybodies in other men’s business, and challenged them to do their own work and eat their own bread.
Thank you for pointing this out to me.