Proverbs 26:17-19 He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.… I. MEDDLING IN OTHERS' QUARRELS. (Ver. 17.) By a very homely image the folly of this is marked. To interfere in disputes which do not concern one is to get hurt one's self. No doubt the proverb admits of a very selfish application. We may excuse indifference to right on such a plea. But a true instinct of Christian justice and love will find a middle course. We should be sure of our call to act before we meddle in others' affairs. It is rare that it can be our duty to volunteer the office of judge. Benevolent neutrality is generally our most helpful attitude. II. MAKING SPORT OF MISCHIEF. (Vers. 18, 19.) There is an ape-like line of mischief in human nature that needs to be watched. Amusing in trifling matters, it may, if encouraged, fly at high game. He that purposely deceives his neighbour under colour of a jest is no less prejudicial to him than a lunatic that cloth wrong out of frenzy and distraction (Bishop Hall). The habit of teasing should be corrected in children. What seems comparatively harmless in itself at first may readily become a habit and harden into a vice. It is in the little delicacies of daily life, no less than in the greatest matters, that we are called to practise the golden rule. We must consider the effect, as well as the intention, of our actions; for, as in the old fable, what is sport to us may be grievous hurt to another. - J. Parallel Verses KJV: He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.WEB: Like one who grabs a dog's ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own. |
    |