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.

1. His conduct defined.

2. His mischief indicated. Renders himself liable to the anger of one, if not both, of the contending parties.

II. THE LIAR (vers. 18, 19).

1. By his false representations he involves his neighbour in some embarrassment, contention, or pain, and then excuses himself by saying, "It is in sport." A lie is no less a lie because spoken in the spirit of frolic and jest.

2. Many a practical jester does the maniac's mischief without the maniac's excuse.

III. THE QUERULOUS (ver. 21). He is a social incendiary.

IV. THE TALEBEARER (ver. 22).

1. He maintains strife. As the microscopic sting of a little insect sometimes poisons the blood and influences the body of a strong man, the mere whisper of a talebearer will kindle the fire of discord in a whole community.

2. He infects with poison; his words destroy the mental peace of him to whom they are uttered, the reputation of him of whom they are uttered, and the social happiness of both.

(D. Thomas, D. D.)