Matthew Poole and continuators on Proverbs 18:1

1 THrough desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom .

According to this interpretation the sense is, Through desire (of it, to wit, of Wisdom, which is easily understood out of the end of the verse; such Ellipses being frequent in Scripture) a man having separated himself (being sequestred from the company, and noise, and business of the World, betaking himself to retirement and solitude, as men do that apply themselves to any serious study) seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom, i. e. useth all diligence, that he may search and find out all solid knowledg and true Wisdom. And this earnest desire and endeavour to get true Wisdom within a mans self is fitly opposed to the fools contempt of Wisdom, or to his desire of it, not for use and benefit▪ but only for vain ostentation, which is expressed in the next verse. Although coherence is little regarded by Interpreters in the several Verses and Proverbs of this Book. But this verse is otherwise rendred in the margin of our English Bible, and by divers others, He that separateth himself (either 1. From his friend. Or rather 2. From other men, who affects singularity▪ is wedded to his own Opinion, and through self-conceit despiseth the opinions and conversation of others) seeketh according to his desire (seeketh to gratifie his own Inclinations and Affections, and chuseth those opinions which most comply with them) and intermeddleth (for this word is used in a bad sense, Prov. [illegible: 1+ letters]7. 14. & 20. 3. and it is not found elsewhere, save in this place) in every business, as proud and singular persons are commonly pragmatical, delighting to find faults in others, that they may get some Reputation to themselves by it. Heb. in every thing that is, thrusting themselves into the actions and affairs of other men Or, as this last clause is and may be rendred, and contendeth (Heb. mingleth himself; for words of that signification are commonly used for contending or fighting, as Deut. 2. 5, 9, 19. Isa. 36. 8▪ Dan. 11 10.) with or against (for the Hebrew prefix, beth, oft signifies against) all Reason or Wisdom: whatsoever any man speaketh against his opinion and desire, though it be never so reasonable and evident, he rejecteth it, and obstinately maintains his own opinion.

Marginal references: Or, He that separateth himself seeketh according to his desire, and intermeddleth in every business.