Is isolation healthy? I know this sounds more like a psychological question than a religious one, but the Bible lends clues and directions in all facets of life. For example, if you read through the Gospels, you’ll see that Jesus frequently got away from the crowds and went off by Himself. 

But, on the other hand, He obviously spent a lot of time mingling with large crowds or He wouldn’t have needed to get away from them from time to time. There is certainly more written of Him being in the company of others than of Him finding solitude. And yet, He did both. Perhaps this is a clue.  

Let’s Start With Isolation

Proverbs 18:1 says: Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment. – ESV 

That verse hits close to home. To the extent that I’ve chosen isolation over the years, I can testify that it was often for selfish reasons—seeking my own desire. When you isolate yourself, there is no need to sacrifice for the needs of others. There is no give and take. There is no potential for misunderstanding, rejection or correction. You can do what you want when you want. 

What About The Other Extreme?

On the other hand, Proverbs 10:19 says: When words are many, transgression is not lacking,  but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. – ESV

This might indicate that there is another extreme that—depending on your personality—could be a snare to you. You need to be around people in order to do a lot of talking. And some people use others who are weak in the same areas as themselves to console them in their sins and to validate them without repentance. And of course there is the potential of transgression in the speech itself. 

Motive & Balance

So, it would appear that like so many things in life, the answer to the question of whether isolation is healthy, boils down to balance and motive. There is a time and a season for all things as laid out in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. 

There is a time to step into the crowd—serving, blessing, conversing and laughing as the Lord might enable us. But not just for the sake of multiplying words. This only indicates insecurity—and in it transgression is not lacking according to the verse in Proverbs ten. 

Perhaps there is a time to find solitude, the same way Jesus did. And maybe solitude is not just for the fulfillment of our own desires, but to find a secret place with the Father where we can shed the troubles of the world and be refreshed in Him. After all, when Jesus sought solitude, He was not doing so for the sake of complete isolation—He was often in prayer. He was in the company of the Father, not completely alone. And He was doing it for greater effectiveness in the work the Father gave Him to do—including His work among the crowds. 

Bottom Line

Bottom line: Only we know how much solitude is good for us. Everyone is different. Seek the Heart of Jesus and He will lead you in finding the right balance for your life. Be honest about your motives, they will tell you a lot.