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According to this interpretation the sense is,

Through desire (of it, to wit of wisdom, which is easily understood out of the end of the verse; such ellipses being frequent in Scripture)

a man, having separated himself, ( being sequestered from the company, and noise, and business of the world, betaking himself to retirement and solitude, as men do that apply themselves to any serious study.)

seeketh and

intermeddleth with all wisdom, i.e. useth all diligence, that he may search and find out all solid knowledge and true wisdom. And this earnest desire and endeavour to get true wisdom within a man’s self is fitly opposed to the fool’s contempt of wisdom, or to his desire of it, not for use and benefit, but only for vain ostentation, which is expressed in the next verse, although coherence is little regarded by interpreters in the several verses and proverbs of this book. But this verse is otherwise rendered in the margin of our English Bible, and by divers others, He that separateth himself, (either,

1. From his friend; or rather,

2. From other men; who affects singularity, is wedded to his own opinion, and through self-conceit despiseth the opinions and conversation of others,) seeketh according to his desire, (seeketh to gratify his own inclinations and affections, and chooseth those opinions which most comply with them,) and intermeddleth (for this word is used in a bad sense, Proverbs 17:14 20:3, and it is not found elsewhere, save in this place) in every business, as proud and singular persons are commonly pragmatical, delighting to find faults in others, that they may get some reputation to themselves by it. Heb. in every thing that is; thrusting themselves into the actions and affairs of other men. Or, as this last clause is and may be rendered, and contendeth (Heb. mingleth himself; for words of that signification are commonly used for contending or fighting, as Deu 2:5,9,19 Isa 36:8 Daniel 11:10) with or against (for the Hebrew prefix beth oft signifies against) all reason or wisdom; whatsoever any man speaketh against his opinion and desire, though it be never so reasonable and evident, he rejecteth it, and obstinately maintains his own opinion.

In understanding; in getting sound and saving knowledge, either by his own study, or by the instructions of wise and good men.

But that his heart may discover itself. Heb. but (his delight is) in the discovery of his own heart, i.e. in uttering that folly and wickedness which is in his heart; being more forward to speak than to hear, which is one badge of a fool.

When the wicked cometh into any place or company,

then cometh also contempt; either,

1. Passively; he is justly contemned and reproached by those who converse with him. Or rather,

2. Actively; he despiseth and scorneth all instruction and reproof, neither fearing God nor reverencing man; for he seems here to note his sin rather than his punishment.

And with ignominy reproach; and he doth not only contemn others in his heart, but showeth his contempt of them by ignominious and reproachful expressions and carriages.

A man’s, i.e. a wise man’s, as the next clause explains this; who is worthy of the name and hath the understanding of a man in him. This Hebrew word ofttimes notes an eminent or excellent person, and therefore is opposed to Adam, which designs any ordinary man.

As deep waters; full of deep wisdom.

The well-spring of wisdom as a flowing brook; that wisdom which is in his heart is continually pouring forth wise and good counsels.

It is not good, i.e. it is a most wicked and hateful thing. See Poole "Proverbs 17:15,26.

To accept the person; to favour his unrighteous cause.

A fool’s lips enter into contention; a fool by his rash and wicked speeches provoketh others to quarrel with him, and, as it follows, to strike him.

His mouth calleth for strokes; procureth strokes to himself.

No text from Poole on this verse.

The words of a tale-bearer, who privily slandereth his neighbour,

are as wounds; deeply wound the reputation, and afterwards the heart, of the slandered person. Compare Proverbs 12:18. Or, as others render the word, are

as smooth or flattering, i.e. they really are so; the particle as being oft used to express the truth of the thing, as hath been noted before. See also John 1:14. They are softer than oil, as is said, Psalm 55:21. For slanderers use to cover and usher in their calumnies with pretences or kindness and compassion to them whom they traduce.

They go down into the innermost parts of the belly; they wound mortally, piercing to the heart, which is oft meant by the belly; as Job 15:35 32:19, &c.