The term "meddleth" is an archaic English word that appears in the King James Version of the Bible and is often associated with the act of interfering or involving oneself in matters that do not concern one. In the context of biblical teachings, meddling is generally viewed as an undesirable behavior, often leading to strife and discord.

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 is likely to result in being bitten, so too is interfering in others' conflicts likely to bring trouble upon oneself. The wisdom literature of the Bible frequently warns against such imprudent actions, emphasizing the importance of minding one's own affairs.

2. Proverbs 20:3 : "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." While this verse does not use the word "meddleth" directly, it contrasts the honorable act of resolving disputes with the foolishness of engaging in unnecessary quarrels. Meddling often leads to the latter, as it involves inserting oneself into situations where one's presence is neither needed nor wanted.

3. 1 Peter 4:15 : "But if you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler." Here, the Apostle Peter lists meddling alongside serious offenses such as murder and theft, indicating the severity with which it is viewed in the Christian moral framework. This passage suggests that suffering for meddling is not commendable, as it results from one's own imprudent actions rather than from righteous living.

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 do not concern us, we may be attempting to exert control over situations that are best left to God or to those directly involved. This behavior can disrupt the peace and order that God desires for His people.

Practical Applications:

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to exercise discernment and humility, refraining from involving themselves in conflicts or issues where they have no rightful place. Instead, believers are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to focus on their own responsibilities and spiritual growth. By doing so, they can avoid the pitfalls of meddling and contribute to a harmonious community.

Meddling in the Church:

Within the church, meddling can lead to division and hinder the unity of the body of Christ. Church leaders and members alike are urged to address their own spiritual needs and to support one another in love, rather than becoming entangled in unnecessary disputes. The New Testament epistles frequently address the importance of maintaining unity and peace within the church, warning against behaviors that disrupt fellowship.

In summary, the biblical perspective on meddling is clear: it is a behavior to be avoided, as it often leads to conflict and strife. Christians are called to live peaceably with others, focusing on their own walk with God and trusting Him to handle the affairs of others.

The Church.
... She meddleth not with any man's matters but her own; she comes all along by the
king's highway; that is, only by the rules that her Lord hath prescribed for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxi the church.htm

How to Keep Out of Trouble
... It is written, "He that passeth by and meddleth with strife belonging not to him
is like one that taketh a dog by the ears." You know how that is: if he holds ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk sixteen how to keep.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... that both the mind and it are defiled with the filth of sin, in all whoever do not
believe the gospel, with which belief this description meddleth not (Titus 1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... I conclude then; seeing the argument taken from that one baptism, respecteth church
fellowship properly; and seeing water baptism meddleth not with it as such ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... First, As she descends, she meddleth not with any man's matters but her own; she
comes all along by the King's highway; that is, alone by the rules that her ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

Christian Behavior
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

Meddleth (1 Occurrence)
...Meddleth (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife
belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. ...
/m/meddleth.htm - 6k

Vexation (36 Occurrences)
... American) has "vex" for "distress" (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19); "they that vex" for "the
adversaries of" (Isaiah 11:13); "vexeth himself" for "meddleth" (Proverbs 26 ...
/v/vexation.htm - 18k

Vex (20 Occurrences)
... American) has "vex" for "distress" (Deuteronomy 2:9, 19); "they that vex" for "the
adversaries of" (Isaiah 11:13); "vexeth himself" for "meddleth" (Proverbs 26 ...
/v/vex.htm - 14k

Meddling (2 Occurrences)

/m/meddling.htm - 7k

Meddles (1 Occurrence)

/m/meddles.htm - 6k

Strife (71 Occurrences)
... (WEB RSV NIV). Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging
not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. ...
/s/strife.htm - 27k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife
belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

Belonging (90 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 26:17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him,
is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. (KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS). ...
/b/belonging.htm - 34k

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