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?!

One thought on “Challenged, Then Baffled

  1. 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.

Surely you could add something...