Old Testament
Proverbs 18:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Through desire a person, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.
Compare translations
Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
What Proverbs 18:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the importance of personal desire and initiative in the pursuit of wisdom. It suggests that when a person intentionally separates themselves from distractions or negative influences, they can focus on seeking knowledge and understanding. The act of 'intermeddling' implies a deep engagement with wisdom, indicating that true wisdom requires effort and a willingness to explore various ideas and perspectives. This pursuit is not passive; it requires active involvement and a desire to learn. The verse encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own growth and to seek wisdom actively, rather than waiting for it to come to them. It emphasizes that wisdom is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about the desire to understand and apply it in life.
How to apply Proverbs 18:1 to your life
To apply this verse, take time to reflect on your desires and what you seek in life. Consider setting aside distractions to focus on learning and growing in wisdom. Engage with books, discussions, or mentors that challenge your thinking and expand your understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Proverbs Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Proverbs 18:1
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Proverbs 18:1
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Proverbs
- Author
- Primarily Solomon, with other contributors
- Written
- Around 950-700 BC
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- Young people and all seeking wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Proverbs 18:1 mean?
Proverbs 18:1 emphasizes the significance of personal desire in seeking wisdom. It suggests that when someone intentionally separates themselves from distractions, they can actively pursue knowledge and understanding.
What is the meaning of 'intermeddles' in Proverbs 18:1?
In Proverbs 18:1, 'intermeddles' refers to deeply engaging with wisdom. It implies that a person should actively explore and interact with various ideas and perspectives to gain true understanding.
How can I apply Proverbs 18:1 in my life?
To apply Proverbs 18:1, reflect on your desires and set aside distractions to focus on learning. Engage with resources like books or mentors that challenge your thinking and help you grow in wisdom.
What themes are present in Proverbs 18:1?
Key themes in Proverbs 18:1 include desire, wisdom, separation from distractions, active pursuit of knowledge, personal growth, and engagement with ideas.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.