KJV: He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
ASV: He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Matthew Henry Commentary
17 He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
1. That which is here condemned is meddling with strife that belongs not to us. If we must not be hasty to strive in our own cause (Pr 25:8), much less in other people's, especially theirs that we are no way related to or concerned in, but light on accidentally as we pass by. If we can be instrumental to make peace between those that are at variance we must do it, though we should thereby get the ill-will of both sides, at least while they are in their heat; but to make ourselves busy in other men's matters, and parties in other men's quarrels, is not only to court our own trouble, but to thrust ourselves into temptation. Who made me a judge? Let them end it, as they began it, between themselves. 2. We are cautioned against it because of the danger it exposes us to; it is like taking a snarling cur by the ears, that will snap at you and bite you; you had better have let him alone, for you cannot get clear of him when you would, and must thank yourselves if you come off with a wound and dishonour. He that has got a dog by the ears, if he lets him go he flies at him, if he keeps his hold, he has his hands full, and can do nothing else. Let every one with quietness work and mind his own business, and not with unquietness quarrel and meddle with other people's business.
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