Having friends, children, and especially a spouse should include selfless love, respect, truth, trust, closeness, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). We learn from Christ that love is laying down our life for another. (1 John 3:16) In giving away we mysteriously receive more. (Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 10:21)
In line with these truths, this proverb rightly states that a person who is selfish is usually unfriendly and will isolate themselves from others; even children and spouse. A selfish loner opposes all sound reasoning. They push away others.
For the selfish loner relationships with others is only a means to selfish gains. The cunning unfriendly person will associate with others because they need them to achieve what they desire. This could be alcohol, drugs, money, possessions, power, glamour, sex, respect, and self gratifications. Slowly they lose their soul. Nothing satisfies them. What they worked so hard to gain illudes them forever.
Selfish isolationists are from all walks of life. They are rich and poor, admired and repulsive, married and single. I cannot judge myself as innocent of the unfriendly selfish life by using these meters. Rather, the Spirit in prayer, meditation, and Bible study can reveal that I need more than change once to be Christ-like. The Spirit of God will reveal to me how I need to continually lay down my life for others like Christ.
