Proverbs 18:1 (GNV)

Passage

For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 18:1 For the desire thereof hee will separate himselfe to seeke it, and occupie himselfe in all wisdome.

Proverbs 18:2 A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding: but that his heart may be discouered.

Proverbs 18:3 When the wicked commeth, then commeth contempt, and with the vile man reproch.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "desire", "thereof", "separate", "himselfe", "seeke", "occupie", and "wisdome". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "desire" and "thereof", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The next verse adds "A foole hath no delite in vnderstanding...", so "desire" and "thereof" should be read forward into that movement. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "desire" and "thereof" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.