Intermeddleth
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The term "intermeddleth" is derived from the Hebrew word "תִּתְגַּלָּע" (titgalla), which appears in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Proverbs. In the context of biblical literature, "intermeddleth" refers to the act of engaging or involving oneself in matters, often with a connotation of doing so unwisely or without invitation.

Biblical Reference:

Proverbs 18:1 : "He who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment."

In this verse, the term "intermeddleth" is used in some translations to describe the actions of a person who separates themselves from others to pursue their own desires. The Berean Standard Bible translates this as "rebels against all sound judgment," highlighting the negative connotation of the term. The individual is depicted as one who disregards wise counsel and instead chooses to follow their own path, often leading to folly.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of "intermeddleth" serves as a caution against the dangers of self-centeredness and the rejection of communal wisdom. The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of community, counsel, and the collective pursuit of righteousness. By intermeddling, or isolating oneself to pursue selfish desires, an individual risks falling into error and sin.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, the warning against intermeddling encourages believers to seek and value the counsel of others, particularly those who are wise and godly. It underscores the importance of humility and the recognition that one's own understanding is limited. Engaging with a community of faith provides accountability and guidance, helping individuals to align their desires with God's will.

Related Concepts:

1. Wisdom and Folly: The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts wisdom with folly. Intermeddling is associated with folly, as it involves rejecting sound judgment and wise counsel.

2. Community and Isolation: The Bible advocates for living in community, where believers can support and edify one another. Isolation, as seen in the act of intermeddling, is often portrayed as detrimental to spiritual growth.

3. Selfishness vs. Selflessness: Intermeddling is rooted in selfishness, prioritizing personal desires over the well-being of others. Scripture calls believers to a life of selflessness, following the example of Christ.

Historical Context:

In ancient Israelite society, wisdom literature such as Proverbs was highly valued for its practical guidance on living a life pleasing to God. The warnings against intermeddling would have been understood as a call to adhere to the collective wisdom of the community and to avoid the pitfalls of individualism that could lead to moral and spiritual decline.

Conclusion:

The concept of "intermeddleth" in the Bible serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of community, wisdom, and humility in the life of a believer. By heeding this warning, individuals can avoid the dangers of isolation and selfishness, instead embracing a life guided by sound judgment and godly counsel.
Library

On the Excellency of Religion and Divine Love.
... "A stranger intermeddleth not with their joys." Holiness is the right temper,
the vigorous and healthful constitution of the soul. ...
/.../scougal/the life of god in the soul of man/part ii on the excellency.htm

Essay ii. Quod Me Non Movet Aestimatione: Verum Est Greek Text ...
... in preference to them, has pathetically observed""The heart knoweth its own bitterness;
and there is a joy in which the stranger intermeddleth not." A simple ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay ii quod me non.htm

A Call to Backsliders
... 3. In this case, as in a thousand others, "the heart knoweth its own bitterness,
but a stranger intermeddleth not with his grief." It is not easy for those to ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 86 a call to.htm

The Holy Ghost --The Great Teacher
... strong desire to know all truth. The natural man separateth himself and
intermeddleth with all knowledge. God has put an instinct ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the holy ghostthe great teacher.htm

Joy
... Others can see the sufferings of a Christian, but they see not his joy.
A stranger intermeddleth not with his joy.' Proverbs 14:40. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
... I may apply to you, on this occasion, those words of Solomon: Through desire a man
having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse ix directions to awakened.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... Zacch??us. It forms not part of the public history of the Kingdom of God,
but of that joy with which a stranger intermeddleth not. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

The Christian Described
... themselves. The 'heart knoweth its own bitterness; a stranger intermeddleth
not with its joy.' To be here is a fearful thing.". "This ...
/.../bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xii the christian described.htm

The Conversion of Zaccheus
... As it is a joy that a stranger intermeddleth not with, so it is a joy that no man
taketh from them: it is a joy in God, a "joy unspeakable and full of glory.". ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the conversion of zaccheus.htm

Names
... which he must bring single-handed and alone to God his Father, as it is written,
'The heart knoweth its own bitterness, and a stranger intermeddleth not with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon iv names.htm

Thesaurus
Intermeddleth (2 Occurrences)
...Intermeddleth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated
himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/i/intermeddleth.htm - 6k

Intermeddle (1 Occurrence)
... For "intermeddleth with" (Proverbs 18:1 the King James Version), the Revised Version
(British and American) gives "rageth against" (margin "quarrelleth with"). ...
/i/intermeddle.htm - 8k

Intermediary (2 Occurrences)

/i/intermediary.htm - 7k

Cessation (4 Occurrences)
... the cessation.' (YLT). Proverbs 20:3 An honour to a man is cessation from
strife, And every fool intermeddleth. (YLT). Lamentations 1 ...
/c/cessation.htm - 7k

Seeketh (60 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself,
seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/s/seeketh.htm - 24k

Object (76 Occurrences)
... shame! (YLT). Proverbs 18:1 For 'an object of' desire he who is separated
doth seek, With all wisdom he intermeddleth. (YLT). Jeremiah ...
/o/object.htm - 31k

Separated (97 Occurrences)
... bowels. (YLT). Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself,
seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. (KJV WBS YLT). ...
/s/separated.htm - 37k

Separate (115 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and
intermeddleth with all wisdom. (Root in KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/s/separate.htm - 71k

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