Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
We know Proverbs to be “wisdom” literature. Indeed, there is much wisdom in Proverbs! This verse caught my attention recently as it seems that often people try to insert themselves when it would be wise to stay out of it. This is most clearly true when it comes to arguments or disagreements between friends or family and one of the parties asks for your input! It may be best to simply refrain from voicing your opinion unless the disagreement poses danger to someone. Then maybe it’s worth the risk to intervene. However, I would suspect this is more the exception than the rule.
This may also apply to situations when people think another adult needs our advice and they have not asked for it! (It’s a parent’s job to give advice to their child.) If it is important enough to share your thoughts on such a topic, it is best to do so in a non-judgmental manner – in other words, share your thoughts in an attitude of wanting the best for that person, leaving them to do what they will with the information. You may even share the information just as your preference or what you would like to see in a non-demanding way. Ultimately, they have to be responsible for their own decisions.
Another situation is with gossip. Two or more people are discussing someone who is not present and giving opinions and advice, usually negative, concerning their activities or actions. Be careful to avoid being judgmental.
So, don’t go grabbing the ears of stray dogs! It may keep you from getting bitten!
We know Proverbs to be “wisdom” literature. Indeed, there is much wisdom in Proverbs! This verse caught my attention recently as it seems that often people try to insert themselves when it would be wise to stay out of it. This is most clearly true when it comes to arguments or disagreements between friends or family and one of the parties asks for your input! It may be best to simply refrain from voicing your opinion unless the disagreement poses danger to someone. Then maybe it’s worth the risk to intervene. However, I would suspect this is more the exception than the rule.
This may also apply to situations when people think another adult needs our advice and they have not asked for it! (It’s a parent’s job to give advice to their child.) If it is important enough to share your thoughts on such a topic, it is best to do so in a non-judgmental manner – in other words, share your thoughts in an attitude of wanting the best for that person, leaving them to do what they will with the information. You may even share the information just as your preference or what you would like to see in a non-demanding way. Ultimately, they have to be responsible for their own decisions.
Another situation is with gossip. Two or more people are discussing someone who is not present and giving opinions and advice, usually negative, concerning their activities or actions. Be careful to avoid being judgmental.
So, don’t go grabbing the ears of stray dogs! It may keep you from getting bitten!
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