Definition and Usage:
The term "meddled" refers to the act of interfering or involving oneself in matters that are not one's concern. In the biblical context, meddling often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unwarranted interference in the affairs of others, leading to discord or unnecessary conflict.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 26:17 : "Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own." This proverb vividly illustrates the dangers of meddling in disputes that do not concern us. Just as grabbing a dog by the ears can provoke an aggressive response, so too can interfering in others' conflicts lead to trouble and strife.

2. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 : "We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies." Here, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of idleness leading to meddling. Instead of being productive, some individuals were involving themselves in matters that did not pertain to them, causing disruption within the community.

3. 1 Peter 4:15 : "But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer or even as a meddler." In this passage, Peter lists meddling alongside serious offenses such as murder and theft, highlighting the severity with which such behavior is viewed. Meddling is seen as a sin that can lead to suffering and should be avoided by believers.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, meddling is often seen as a manifestation of pride and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. By interfering in matters that are not ours to control, we may inadvertently challenge God's authority and plan. The Bible encourages believers to focus on their own responsibilities and to trust God to handle the affairs of others.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, Christians are called to exercise discernment and wisdom in their interactions with others. While it is important to offer help and support when needed, it is equally important to respect boundaries and refrain from unnecessary interference. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of humility and to seek God's guidance in knowing when to step back and allow Him to work in the lives of others.

Related Concepts:

· Busybodies: Those who meddle are often described as busybodies, individuals who are overly concerned with the affairs of others rather than focusing on their own responsibilities.
· Discernment: The ability to judge wisely and avoid meddling inappropriately is a key aspect of Christian maturity.
· Humility: Recognizing one's limitations and respecting the autonomy of others is essential in avoiding the pitfalls of meddling.

Conclusion:

The biblical admonition against meddling serves as a reminder to believers to maintain a balance between being helpful and overstepping boundaries. By focusing on their own walk with God and trusting Him to manage the affairs of others, Christians can avoid the negative consequences associated with meddling.(imp. & p. p.) of Meddle.

Paracelsus {13}
... patience and humility; who were trying for royal roads to knowledge, and to the
fame and wealth which might be got out of knowledge; who meddled with vain ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

Perpetuity
... of their authors? Have they been preserved with such care that we can be
sure that they have not been meddled with? The Mahometan ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section ix perpetuity.htm

In one of the Few Remaining Streets of Rome which the Vandal Hand ...
... In one of the few remaining streets of Rome which the vandal hand of the modern
builder and restorer has not meddled with, stands the "Casa D'Angeli", a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xvii in one of the.htm

All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church.
... And those things which are allotted for the high priests to do, those might not
be meddled with by the priests; and what things were allotted to the priests ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v all the apostles urge.htm

Anxieties and Troubles, Friends and Foes
... He meddled, of course, with no ecclesiastical business, except in arranging mere
outward details. All that was done by Serapion, the Archdeacon. ...
/.../chapter xxi anxieties and troubles.htm

That Some May not Come to Feel the Perfection of this Work but in ...
... grace of contemplation is figured by the Ark of the Testament in the old law, and
the workers in this grace be figured by them that most meddled them about ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the one and 6.htm

How that after the Likeness of Moses, of Bezaleel, and of Aaron ...
... that Ark. THREE men there were that most principally meddled them with this
Ark of the Old Testament: Moses, Bezaleel, Aaron. Moses ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the three and 6.htm

Paul on his Own Conversion
... That is his account of the matter, which would not have been meddled with if the
meddlers had not taken offence at 'the supernatural element.' We note the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul on his own conversion.htm

Enthusiasm.
... prevail upon a soul; they persuaded men meekly, they entreated them humbly, they
convinced them powerfully; they watched for their good, but meddled not with ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter v enthusiasm.htm

Herod's Veteran Soldiers Become Tumultuous. The Robberies of Judas ...
... his brethren, and made use of them as his generals and commanders, when he made
his incursions, while he did himself act like a king, and meddled only with the ...
/.../chapter 4 herods veteran soldiers.htm

Meddled (1 Occurrence)
...Meddled (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth
out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. ...
/m/meddled.htm - 6k

Meddle (6 Occurrences)

/m/meddle.htm - 8k

Letteth (11 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore
leave off contention, before it be meddled with. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/l/letteth.htm - 9k

Meddler (1 Occurrence)

/m/meddler.htm - 6k

Withdraw (52 Occurrences)
... (See NAS). Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:
therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with. (WBS). ...
/w/withdraw.htm - 22k

Simon (75 Occurrences)
... A few years later Simon again meddled in Syrian politics (139 BC), this time at
the entreaty of Antiochus VII (Sidetes) in his contest against Tryphon; when ...
/s/simon.htm - 91k

Meddled: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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