“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment” (Proverbs 18:1 ESV).
God has made us with a need for fellowship. Indeed one of God’s earliest observations of humanity was what he said to Adam, “It is not good that the man should be alone” (Gen. 2:18). Yet, the temptation of sin is to isolate from others, so that we might do what we desire. And so, after Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit the first thing they did was hide from God and blame others for their actions. For isolation leads to separation.
The proverb warns of the temptation to isolate from fellowship. For the one who isolates goes against sound judgment and godly wisdom. Not only that, but they open themselves up to further temptation to plunge even deeper into sinful thoughts and behaviors. For in isolation we will think and do things that we would never do in the presence of others.
The instruction to believers found in Hebrews is consistent with the warning in Proverbs: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Heb. 10:24-25).
The Bible warns that the “devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). And anyone who has watched a nature show has seen how the African lion watches for an antelope to stray from the herd, so they are vulnerable to attack.
Isolation goes against sound judgment. We need fellowship with God and with one another.
PRAYER: Dear Father, forgive us when we pull away and isolate. Strengthen us to stay in fellowship with You and with one another. In Jesus’ name, amen.