The Isolation Problem

The Book of Proverbs deals quite heavily with the mouth and the instruction continues in Chapter 18. 

Proverbs 18:1–2 (ESV) Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. 2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Consider the source of foolish speech mentioned in this passage: Isolation. The implication is the more we are isolated the more we are given over to our own ridiculous notions. Humans are communal creatures and our growth comes from a connection to others. So it should be obvious that the opposite of communion will contradict our very humanness. When we are left to our own thoughts trouble begins. Perhaps this is why the post-pandemic mental health crisis is upon us. Lump global isolating lockdowns into an already isolating culture of personal "communication" devices such as phones and what did you expect? We are at this point a global self-isolating community expressing our opinions without the proper corrective that community brings. 

Consider some of the same ailments of our day with what Solomon unpacks for us here:

Proverbs 18:6 (ESV) A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.

Proverbs 18:13 (ESV) If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:19 (ESV) A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

When we do not have communion with others and self-isolate we ultimately exacerbate our problems. For if we are truly honest we know the worst person in our lives is usually ourselves. Why? Because we know the darkness of our hearts better than anyone. And so in some ways the battle to find peace within and with our speech seems impossible to win. But let us not give up. For the chapter ends with a promise:

Proverbs 18:24 (ESV) A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

On the opposite extreme of isolation is far too many shallow relationships that strain our capacity for true friendship beyond what is healthy. But the grace of God is available for us even then. The friend that sticks closer than a brother is Christ. 

John 15:15 (ESV) No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.