The original here is difficult, and differently understood. 1. Some
take it as a rebuke to an affected singularity. When men take a pride
in separating themselves from the sentiments and society of others, in
contradicting all that has been said before them and advancing new
notions of their own, which, though ever so absurd, they are wedded to,
it is to gratify a desire or lust of vain-glory, and they are seekers
and meddlers with that which does not belong to them. He seeks
according to his desire, and intermeddles with every business, pretends
to pass a judgment upon every man's matter. He is morose and
supercilious. Those generally are so that are opinionative and
conceited, and they thus make themselves ridiculous, and are vexatious
to others. 2. Our translation seems to take it as an excitement to
diligence in the pursuit of wisdom. If we would get knowledge or grace,
we must desire it, as that which we need and which will be of great
advantage to us, 1 Cor. xii. 31. We must separate ourselves from all
those things which would divert us from or retard us in the pursuit,
retire out of the noise of this world's vanities, and then seek and
intermeddle with all the means and instructions of wisdom, be willing
to take pains and try all the methods of improving ourselves, be
acquainted with a variety of opinions, that we may prove all things and
hold fast that which is good.