Be Wise: Mind Your Own Business!
Proverbs 26:17
NIV
[17] Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
As believers, we often think we must involve ourselves in everything or in everybody’s business. We think it is a sin not to do so because we read, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”
Well, you’ve just read some advice “ do not rush into a quarrel that is not your own!” How do we reconcile these seemly contradictions? Which quarrel is your own and which is not? And why must you not rush into it?
The above is a caution that must guide the wise in how they conduct themselves when it comes to meddling in other people’s affairs. The passage conveys the thought that there are limits to how far we can get ourselves involved in other people’s affairs.
We’ve all read or at least heard of the death or injury sustained by some innocent persons who tried to stop a fight between two people. Or rush into “quarrels that are not their own !”
The proverb writer said, If you grab the ears of a stray dog it will definitely bite you. I tried to think through what this means by comparing how my dog behaves when I grab his ears. In my case, he remains calm and is happy.
So I asked why, Well it’s because it is a trained and domesticated dog. This behavior is contrary to that of “ a stray “ dog! A domesticated dog knows and respects its master something different from what a “stray” dog will do. And so are quarrels.
A dog you don’t know will not listen let alone respect you, and the same is a quarrel involving persons you don’t know! A situation which is different from that between persons you know. Remember, in settling a quarrel one brings his image and influence to bear on the combatants which can only be effective if they know him/her..
This is what the proverb writer is drawing attention to, do not rush into a quarrel that is not “your own” which means a quarrel involving people you don’t know! The consequences as he said, are what a stray dog will do to you if you hold its ears.
A quarrel that is “your own” is a quarrel involving people you know, they will listen and respect your intervention and peace will be restored.
Well, after reading the above text as a meditational passage I felt I should share my thoughts with you! It is better to be “invited “ than to “rush” into a quarrel that is not your own. I accept that some situations /circumstances are exempt, but in general, let this rule be a guide.
“Every quarrel has its “owners”. Rush (attend) to that which is your own!” Know how to mind your own business when it comes to quarrels.