Take Your Pick

(Proverbs 18:1 KJV)  Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.

This is a verse in which the KJV and the other translations I have on my computer seem totally different.  Compare it with the NASB.

(Proverbs 18:1 NAS77)  He who separates himself seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.

Where most of the translations say that isolation keeps you from the wisdom of the group, the KJV says that separation allows you to focus correctly and not be distracted by the noise of the group.  The reason is in the translation.  Adam Clarke said, “The original is difficult and obscure.”  It seems that there have always been two understandings.  The KJV goes with what the Jewish scholars preferred. 

So?  Take your pick.  Both have value.  Both have truth.  The difference is in attitude and motivation.  Do you isolate yourself to meditate and study or to avoid the truth that others bring to the table.  I like both/and rather than either/or in this case.