Proverbs 26.17
“Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.”
If you pull its ears, even a friendly dog will bite. This proverb describes a meddler — a busybody — trying to get involved in the quarrels of others. There’s a pretty good chance he will get bitten by both parties!
Peacemakers are wonderful. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5.9) But only with great care, and only after wise reflection, should you get involved in the conflict of others and try to make peace for them. After careful consideration and wise thought, make sure your words are wisely spoken (see Proverbs 15.23; 16.20).
Unfortunately, there are meddlers who love to get involved in disputes or trouble between others. They crave the inside information of private controversies. It gives them a perverse sense of worth. It makes them feel important to be involved in others’ problems, though they are usually terrible about solving their own problems.
Bottom line: Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong. That includes comments on social media!
Proverbs 26.18-19
“Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”
This passage warns against another “crazy” thing that some people do. It is madness to try and deceive someone, and then–when you are caught–claim that you are only joking. That would be like attacking someone with deceitful accusations (throwing fire or shooting arrows), and then claiming “it was only a joke.”
Sadly, there is a lot of this very thing going on today. Truly, it is madness.
