Proverbs 26:17
New International Version
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

New Living Translation
Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

English Standard Version
Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.

Berean Standard Bible
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

King James Bible
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

New King James Version
He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

New American Standard Bible
Like one who takes a dog by the ears, So is one who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.

NASB 1995
Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.

NASB 1977
Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.

Legacy Standard Bible
Like one who seizes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and becomes passionate about strife not belonging to him.

Amplified Bible
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten] Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.

Christian Standard Bible
A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.

American Standard Version
He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Contemporary English Version
It's better to take hold of a mad dog by the ears than to take part in someone else's argument.

English Revised Version
He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[Like] grabbing a dog by the ears, [so] is a bystander who gets involved in someone else's quarrel.

Good News Translation
Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by the ears.

International Standard Version
Picking up a dog by the ears— that's what someone is like who meddles in another's fight.

Majority Standard Bible
Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.

NET Bible
Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own.

New Heart English Bible
Like one who grabs a dog's ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.

Webster's Bible Translation
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

World English Bible
Like one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Laying hold on the ears of a dog, "" [Is] a passer-by making himself wrath for strife [that is] not his own.

Young's Literal Translation
Laying hold on the ears of a dog, Is a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.

Smith's Literal Translation
Laying hold upon the ears of a dog, he passing by overflowing upon strife not to him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man's quarrel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Just like one who takes hold of a dog by the ears, so also is he who crosses impatiently and meddles in the quarrels of another.

New American Bible
Whoever meddles in the quarrel of another is one who grabs a passing dog by the ears.

New Revised Standard Version
Like somebody who takes a passing dog by the ears is one who meddles in the quarrel of another.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He who meddles with a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He that meddles in a case that is not his is like he that takes a dog by its ears.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife not his own, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Similitudes and Instructions
16The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. 17Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own. 18Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,…

Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:11
and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.

1 Peter 4:15
Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.

2 Thessalonians 3:11
For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.

1 Timothy 5:13
At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.

Matthew 7:1-5
“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. / Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? ...

Luke 12:13-14
Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” / But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”

Romans 14:4
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

1 Corinthians 10:15-16
I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. / Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?

1 Corinthians 11:16
If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.

2 Timothy 2:23
But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.

1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.

James 4:11-12
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. / There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?

1 Corinthians 6:1-8
If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...

Galatians 5:15
But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing,


Treasury of Scripture

He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.

passeth

Proverbs 17:11
An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Proverbs 18:6
A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

Proverbs 20:3
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

meddleth or is enraged

Jump to Previous
Belonging Business Dog Dog's Ears Fight Gets Hold Laying Making Mixed Passer-By Passes Passeth Passing Quarrel Seizes Strife Wrath
Jump to Next
Belonging Business Dog Dog's Ears Fight Gets Hold Laying Making Mixed Passer-By Passes Passeth Passing Quarrel Seizes Strife Wrath
Proverbs 26
1. observations about fools
13. about sluggards
17. and about contentious busybodies














Like one who grabs a dog by the ears
This vivid imagery begins with the act of grabbing a dog by the ears, a universally understood metaphor for a foolish and dangerous action. In ancient times, dogs were not typically domesticated pets as they are today; they were often wild or semi-wild animals. Grabbing a dog by the ears would provoke aggression and likely result in harm to the person. The Hebrew word for "grabs" (תֹּפֵשׂ, "tophes") implies seizing or taking hold of something forcefully. This action is reckless and invites trouble, symbolizing the foolishness of interfering in matters that do not concern us. The imagery serves as a warning against unnecessary involvement in conflicts, highlighting the potential for self-inflicted harm.

is a passerby
The term "passerby" suggests someone who is not directly involved or invested in the situation at hand. In the Hebrew context, this word (עֹבֵר, "ober") refers to someone who is merely passing through, without any stake or responsibility in the matter. This highlights the lack of connection or authority the individual has in the quarrel, emphasizing the imprudence of their interference. The passerby’s lack of involvement underscores the idea that wisdom often lies in knowing when to stay out of disputes that do not concern us.

who meddles
The act of meddling is portrayed as an intrusive and unwelcome interference. The Hebrew root (מִתְעָרֵב, "mitharev") conveys the idea of inserting oneself into a situation without invitation or necessity. Meddling is often driven by a misguided sense of self-importance or a desire to control, rather than a genuine intention to help. This behavior is cautioned against throughout Scripture, as it often leads to discord and strife rather than resolution. The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently advises against such actions, promoting peace and harmony instead.

in a quarrel
A quarrel, in this context, refers to a dispute or conflict between parties. The Hebrew word (רִיב, "riv") can denote a legal dispute, a personal disagreement, or any form of contention. The Bible often addresses the destructive nature of quarrels and the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully. By meddling in a quarrel, the passerby risks exacerbating the situation, potentially escalating the conflict rather than diffusing it. The verse implies that wisdom involves discerning when to engage and when to refrain from involvement.

not his own
This phrase emphasizes the lack of personal stake or responsibility in the conflict. The Hebrew construction underscores the idea that the quarrel belongs to others, not the meddler. This highlights the importance of boundaries and respecting the autonomy of others in resolving their disputes. The Bible teaches that wisdom involves recognizing our limitations and understanding that not every situation requires our intervention. By respecting these boundaries, we demonstrate humility and wisdom, allowing others the space to resolve their issues independently.

(17) Meddleth with strife.--Rather, that is excited with strife. If quarrelling and taking revenge on our own account are forbidden (Romans 12:18-19), how much more is the mixing up of ourselves in the disputes of other persons.

Like one that taketh a dog by the ears.--Who deserves to be bitten for his pains, the usual result of interfering in quarrels.

Verses 17-28. - A series of proverbs connected more or less with peacefulness and its opposite. Verse 17. - He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him. "Meddleth with strife" should be "vexes, excites himself, with a quarrel." Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears, and thus needlessly provokes him to bark and bite. Regarding the position of the two participles in this verse, without any connecting link, Delitzsch takes "passing by" as attributed to the dog, thus: "He seizes by the ears a dog passing by, who is excited by a strife that concerns him not." The stray dog corresponds to the quarrel with which one has nothing to do. The present accentuation does not support this view; otherwise it is suitable and probable. Septuagint, "As he who lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he who sets himself forth as champion in another's cause." Ecclus. 11:9, "Strive not in a matter that concerns thee not." Says a Greek gnome -

Πολυπραγμονεῖν τὰλλότρια μὴ βοῦλου κακά Our English proverb says, "He that intermeddles with all things may go shoe the goslings." The Telugu compares such interference to a monkey holding a snake in his paw; it is hard to hold, dangerous to let go (Lane).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Like one who grabs
מַחֲזִ֥יק (ma·ḥă·zîq)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

a dog
כָ֑לֶב (ḵā·leḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3611: A dog, a male prostitute

by the ears
בְּאָזְנֵי־ (bə·’ā·zə·nê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - fdc
Strong's 241: Broadness, the ear

is a passer-by
עֹבֵ֥ר (‘ō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

who meddles
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר (miṯ·‘ab·bêr)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

a quarrel
רִ֥יב (rîḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

not his own.
לֹּֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no


Links
Proverbs 26:17 NIV
Proverbs 26:17 NLT
Proverbs 26:17 ESV
Proverbs 26:17 NASB
Proverbs 26:17 KJV

Proverbs 26:17 BibleApps.com
Proverbs 26:17 Biblia Paralela
Proverbs 26:17 Chinese Bible
Proverbs 26:17 French Bible
Proverbs 26:17 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a dog's ears (Prov. Pro Pr)
Proverbs 26:16
Top of Page
Top of Page