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.
Original Language Analysis
מַחֲזִ֥יק
belonging not to him is like one that taketh
H2388
מַחֲזִ֥יק
belonging not to him is like one that taketh
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
בְּאָזְנֵי
by the ears
H241
בְּאָזְנֵי
by the ears
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
2 of 9
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
He that passeth by
H5674
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
He that passeth by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
4 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
He that passeth by
H5674
מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר
He that passeth by
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
5 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
6 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom recognized difference between helpful mediation and harmful meddling. Proverbs 20:3 teaches: 'It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.' Jesus commanded: 'If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone' (Matthew 18:15) - direct involvement when you're offended party, not interference in others' disputes. Romans 14:4 asks: 'Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?'
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts are you meddling in that don't concern you?
- How can you distinguish helpful peacemaking from harmful meddling?
- What 'dog's ears' have you grabbed by interfering inappropriately, and what resulted?
Analysis & Commentary
One who passes by and meddles in another's quarrel is like grabbing a dog's ears. The Hebrew 'charah `al riyb' (meddling in strife) and 'machaziyq be'adeney keleb' (holding dog's ears) creates vivid warning. Grabbing dog's ears invites attack - dog will bite. Interfering in others' quarrels produces similar result - both parties turn on meddler. This wisdom warns: don't insert yourself into conflicts that don't concern you. Peacemaking is noble; meddling is foolish.