Don’t Meddle!

Read Proverbs 26

Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

Proverbs 26:17

Most dogs will put up with a lot. (How else do you think they earned the title of “man’s best friend”?) But few canines will let you yank their ears. Try that stunt, and even an unusually sweet Lab or golden retriever may snap.

This is the surprising analogy used to warn us against meddling in the quarrels of others. By inviting ourselves into conflicts that don’t involve us, we may end up becoming the target of both angry parties. It’s noble to want to help, to want to be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9), but when tempers are flaring and pride is out of control, little good can be accomplished.

The wiser course of action is to sit back, watch, listen, pray, and wait for the passions to subside. Then, if we are invited to help resolve the problem, or if we are in a position where it is our duty to intervene, we can gently and carefully weigh in.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Stay out of an argument’s crossfire.

Today, Lord, I want to be a peacemaker, but I do not want to be unwise. Give me the discernment to know if and when I should intervene.