Scripture Spot Logo

Verse of the Day

WEB

Author Spotlight

Loading featured author...

Report Issue

See a formatting issue or error?

Let us know →

An unfriendly man pursues selfishness, And defies all sound judgment.

Verse Takeaways

1

The Danger of Selfish Isolation

Most commentators (Barnes, Ellicott, Gill) agree this verse is primarily a warning. It describes a person who isolates themselves from others to pursue their own selfish desires. This self-willed individual becomes hostile to wise counsel and community efforts, with one scholar translating the second phrase as he "shows his teeth" against all improvement. This is a caution against arrogant, anti-social behavior.

See 3 Verse Takeaways

Book Overview

Proverbs

Author

Audience

Composition

Teaching Highlights

Outline

+ 5 more

See Overview

Commentaries

4

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Proverbs 18:1

18th Century

Theologian

The text and the marginal readings indicate the two chief interpretations of this somewhat difficult verse. Other renderings are:

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On Proverbs 18:1

19th Century

Bishop

Through desire a man, having separated himself ...—This should probably be rendered, The separatist seeks after his own desire…

John Gill

John Gill

On Proverbs 18:1

17th Century

Pastor

Through desire a man having separated himself, seeks
Or, "a separated man seeks desire" F7 ; his own desi…

Premium

Go Ad-Free

Go ad-free and create your own bookmark library

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Proverbs 18:1

17th Century

Minister

If we are to get knowledge and grace, we must try all methods of improving ourselves.