The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 18:1
This is a difficult verse, and has obtained various interpretations. The Authorized Version gives, Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom; i.e. a man who has an earnest desire for self-improvement will hold himself aloof from worldly entanglements, and, occupying himself wholly in this pursuit, will become conversant with all wisdom. This gives good sense, and offers a contrast to the fool in Proverbs 18:2 , who "hath no delight in... read more
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Proverbs 18:8
The words of a tale-bearer - נרגן דברי dibrey nirgan , "the words of the whisperer," the busy-body, the busy, meddling croaker. Verba bilinguis , "the words of the double-tongued." - Vulgate. The wordes of the twisel tunge - Old MS. Bible. "The words of a slanderer." - Coverdale. The words of a deceiver, the fair-spoken, deeply-malicious man, though they appear soft and gracious, are wounds deeply injurious. The original word is כמתלהמים kemithlahamim ; they are as soft or... read more