“Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17
Devotional Thought For The Day
As is usual in the instruction of God’s Word, there are nuances in this matter of our responsibilities when it comes to the troubles and conflicts of others. Some may take this proverb and decide to renege all responsibility in dealing with arguments, conflicts, and quarrels among others. This is a horrible idea for parents, for those in supervisory positions, for officers of the law, for judges, and for those with friends who are diverse. Imagine what life would be like if this was how God followed this proverb! We would be without redemption, without salvation, and without protection from aggressively evil people. After all, anything that has to do with evil is not properly God’s business – other than to eradicate it. Christ has come and provided us with peace with God – out of His great love for us [Rom. 5:1]. And Christ instructs, encourages, and enables us to love others even as He has loved us [John 13:34]. Christ certainly suffered for grabbing the dog of our sin by the ears, and it is certain that we too, in exercising love for others, will be bit and suffer irrational aggression for our acts of kindness and concern, especially in matters of conflict resolution. It is helpful to consider the “quarrels” that Paul addressed through his epistles, and the negative splash-back that he was subjected to. Still, love dictates that we be willing to suffer at times.
At the same time, there is great wisdom in this proverb. First, if the matter is “not our own,” that is, we have no authority, no direct responsibility toward the people involved, we might want to exercise great care and prudence before getting involved. Second, if our involvement is a matter of “meddling,” sticking our nose in where it does not belong and is not wanted, we might want to think long and hard in weighing the potential negative consequences against the potential good we might do. Third, we should be prepared in all attempts at mediation for the possibility that both quarreling parties will turn angrily and aggressively against us – so that the two former enemies become allies in ripping us. We might actually be grabbing two “dogs” by the ears. Fourth, we might want to consider that intervention with reasoning may be impossible if the conflict and animosity is essentially irrational. There is no reasoning with an aggressive and vicious dog. So the proverb provides us with great wisdom and guidance in avoiding unnecessary and purposeless suffering and injury.
We know that even as our Lord and Savior is a peacemaker, and we are His disciples, His followers, that we too are to be peacemakers. However, it is reality in this wretched world of sin that some quarrels and evils are incurable – that there will be no repentance, no reconciliation in forgiveness and love, and hence no peace. The same is true with Christ’s “peacemaking,” as many remain in impenitence, unbelief, and wicked rebellion against God and His Word. In such circumstances we must simply remand the matter back into God’s hands, praying that He resolve the issues in the best possible manner for all involved. This is what will occur on the Last Day, when the Lord Jesus comes in judgment. There will be no reconciling of evil with good, but rather division, separation, and destructive judgment against what is evil and recalcitrant. In His first coming, Jesus allowed the dogs to inflict harm upon Him – for the purpose of obtaining our redemption for us; when He returns in glory there will be no vulnerability to the rabid obsessions of the wicked.
Even within the church Satan sends infiltrators who seek to pervert the church, and their efforts must be resisted. These “dogs” will certainly be willing to engage in vicious attacks when they are opposed. Here there is no question that we are responsible and are not meddling when we fight against them, but that we are compelled and bound by love to suffer whatever harm God allows – as were the prophets, John the Baptist, and the apostles. But victory and vindication are coming for God’s Word and for those who adhere to it, so let us do as Jesus bids us and continue in His Word. [John 8:31,32]
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, preserve us from meddling in the conflicts of others and suffering unnecessarily. Protect us also in the strife and conflict that we are obligated to engage in. Remind us of Your own suffering for the sake of truth and good and strengthen our courage and will. Remind us also of the final outcome of Your conflict with the devil and all evil, that we have the wisdom to remain always on the side of Your Word. Amen.