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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/26-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/20_Pro_26_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 26:17 - Similitudes and Instructions" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own." /><script type="application/javascript" 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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm" title="Proverbs 26:16">◄</a> Proverbs 26:17 <a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm" title="Proverbs 26:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He that passeth by, <i>and</i> meddleth with strife <i>belonging</i> not to him, <i>is like</i> one that taketh a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He who passes by <i>and</i> meddles in a quarrel not his own <i>Is like</i> one who takes a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes a dog by the ears, <i>So</i> is one who passes by <i>and</i> meddles with strife not belonging to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Like one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by and meddles with strife not belonging to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who takes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by <i>and</i> meddles with strife not belonging to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br /><i>Like</i> one who seizes a dog by the ears Is he who passes by <i>and</i> becomes passionate about strife not belonging to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten] Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that&#8217s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It's better to take hold of a mad dog by the ears than to take part in someone else's argument. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He that passeth by, and vexeth himself with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[Like] grabbing a dog by the ears, [so] is a bystander who gets involved in someone else's quarrel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by the ears. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Picking up a dog by the ears— that's what someone is like who meddles in another's fight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog's ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Like one who grabs a dog’s ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Laying hold on the ears of a dog, "" [Is] a passer-by making himself wrath for strife [that is] not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Laying hold on the ears of a dog, Is a passer-by making himself wrath for strife not his own.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Laying hold upon the ears of a dog, he passing by overflowing upon strife not to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />As he that taketh a dog by the ears, so is he that passeth by in anger, and meddleth with another man's quarrel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Just like one who takes hold of a dog by the ears, so also is he who crosses impatiently and meddles in the quarrels of another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Whoever meddles in the quarrel of another is one who grabs a passing dog by the ears. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Like somebody who takes a passing dog by the ears is one who meddles in the quarrel of another.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who meddles with a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that meddles in a case that is not his is like he that takes a dog by its ears.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife not his own, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/26-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=5394" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/26.htm">Similitudes and Instructions</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>The slacker is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who answer discreetly. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ma·ḥă·zîq (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">Like one who grabs</a> <a href="/hebrew/3611.htm" title="3611: ḵā·leḇ (N-ms) -- A dog. From an unused root means. To yelp, or else to attack; a dog; hence a male prostitute.">a dog</a> <a href="/hebrew/241.htm" title="241: bə·’ā·zə·nê- (Prep-b:: N-fdc) -- An ear. From 'azan; broadness. I.e. the ear.">by the ears</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ō·ḇêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">is a passerby</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: miṯ·‘ab·bêr (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">who meddles</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: rîḇ (N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">a quarrel</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">his own.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Like a madman shooting firebrands and deadly arrows,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a></span><br />and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">1 Peter 4:15</a></span><br />Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-11.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:11</a></span><br />For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">1 Timothy 5:13</a></span><br />At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a></span><br />“Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. / Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-13.htm">Luke 12:13-14</a></span><br />Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” / But Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed Me judge or executor between you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Romans 14:4</a></span><br />Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">1 Corinthians 10:15-16</a></span><br />I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. / Is not the cup of blessing that we bless a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/11-16.htm">1 Corinthians 11:16</a></span><br />If anyone is inclined to dispute this, we have no other practice, nor do the churches of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/14-33.htm">1 Corinthians 14:33</a></span><br />For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-11.htm">James 4:11-12</a></span><br />Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. And if you judge the law, you are not a practitioner of the law, but a judge of it. / There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-8</a></span><br />If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15</a></span><br />But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/2-14.htm">Philippians 2:14</a></span><br />Do everything without complaining or arguing,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He that passes by, and meddles with strife belonging not to him, is like one that takes a dog by the ears.</p><p class="hdg">passeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-11.htm">Proverbs 17:11</a></b></br> An evil <i>man</i> seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Proverbs 18:6</a></b></br> A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Proverbs 20:3</a></b></br> <i>It is</i> an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.</p><p class="hdg">meddleth or is enraged </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/1-7.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-29.htm">Business</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-11.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/2_samuel/3-8.htm">Dog's</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-12.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/psalms/144-1.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/psalms/64-5.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-2.htm">Making</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-30.htm">Mixed</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Passer-By</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-10.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-13.htm">Seizes</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-29.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-18.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/isaiah/8-1.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-4.htm">Dog</a> <a href="/isaiah/66-3.htm">Dog's</a> <a href="/songs/2-14.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-19.htm">Gets</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-13.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-27.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Making</a> <a href="/songs/7-2.htm">Mixed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-15.htm">Passer-By</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Passes</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Passeth</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-1.htm">Passing</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-29.htm">Seizes</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/27-3.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-1.htm">observations about fools</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-13.htm">about sluggards</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">and about contentious busybodies</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Like one who grabs a dog by the ears</b><br>This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the danger and foolishness of interfering in matters that do not concern us. In ancient times, dogs were not typically domesticated pets as they are today; they were often wild or semi-wild animals. Grabbing a dog by the ears would provoke an aggressive response, putting the person at risk of being bitten. This imagery underscores the peril of unwarranted involvement in conflicts. The Bible often uses animals to convey lessons, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/17-12.htm">Proverbs 17:12</a>, which warns against meeting a fool in his folly.<p><b>is a passerby</b><br>The term "passerby" suggests someone who is not directly involved or invested in the situation. This highlights the idea of an outsider who lacks the necessary context or relationship to intervene wisely. In biblical times, community and familial ties were strong, and outsiders were often viewed with suspicion. The concept of a passerby meddling in affairs is akin to a stranger intruding into a close-knit community's issues, which could lead to misunderstanding and conflict.<p><b>who meddles in a quarrel not his own</b><br>Meddling in disputes that do not concern us is portrayed as unwise and potentially harmful. The Bible frequently advises against unnecessary involvement in others' conflicts, as seen in <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:11</a>, which encourages believers to lead a quiet life and mind their own business. This principle is rooted in the understanding that only those directly involved in a situation have the full context and authority to resolve it. Meddling can exacerbate tensions and lead to unintended consequences, much like the chaos that ensues when grabbing a dog by the ears.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/passerby.htm">Passerby</a></b><br>This refers to an individual who is not directly involved in a situation or conflict but chooses to intervene or interfere.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/dog.htm">Dog</a></b><br>In ancient Near Eastern culture, dogs were often seen as wild and potentially dangerous animals, unlike the domesticated pets we know today.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/q/quarrel.htm">Quarrel</a></b><br>A dispute or conflict between two or more parties, which in this context, the passerby is not a part of.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/proverbs.htm">Proverbs</a></b><br>A book in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, known for its wisdom literature.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_near_east.htm">Ancient Near East</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context in which the Book of Proverbs was written, influencing its imagery and teachings.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/avoid_unnecessary_conflict.htm">Avoid Unnecessary Conflict</a></b><br>Just as grabbing a dog by the ears is likely to result in harm, meddling in others' disputes can lead to unnecessary trouble and conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_boundaries.htm">Respect Boundaries</a></b><br>Recognize and respect the boundaries of others' relationships and conflicts. Not every situation requires your input or intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_wisdom_before_acting.htm">Seek Wisdom Before Acting</a></b><br>Before getting involved in any situation, seek God's wisdom through prayer and discernment to determine if your involvement is necessary or beneficial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/promote_peace.htm">Promote Peace</a></b><br>As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. Sometimes, the best way to promote peace is by staying out of conflicts that do not concern us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflect_on_motives.htm">Reflect on Motives</a></b><br>Consider why you feel compelled to intervene in a situation. Is it out of genuine concern, or is it driven by pride or a desire to control?<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nosiness.htm">What does the Bible say about being nosy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'desolate_house'_mean.htm">What does the Bible say about minding your business?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_privacy.htm">What does the Bible say about minding your business?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_26_11_clash_with_compassion.htm">Proverbs 26:11: Does comparing a fool to a dog returning to its vomit present a historical or cultural context that might clash with more compassionate teachings elsewhere?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">Meddleth with strife.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">that is excited with strife. </span>If quarrelling and taking revenge on our own account are forbidden (<a href="/context/romans/12-18.htm" title="If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.">Romans 12:18-19</a>), how much more is the mixing up of ourselves in the disputes of other persons.<p><span class= "bld">Like one that taketh a dog by the ears.--</span>Who deserves to be bitten for his pains, the usual result of interfering in quarrels.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 17-28.</span> - A series of proverbs connected more or less with peacefulness and its opposite. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him.</span> "Meddleth with strife" should be "vexes, excites himself, with a quarrel." Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears, and thus needlessly provokes him to bark and bite. Regarding the position of the two participles in this verse, without any connecting link, Delitzsch takes "passing by" as attributed to the dog, thus: "He seizes by the ears a dog passing by, who is excited by a strife that concerns him not." The stray dog corresponds to the quarrel with which one has nothing to do. The present accentuation does not support this view; otherwise it is suitable and probable. Septuagint, "As he who lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he who sets himself forth as champion in another's cause." Ecclus. 11:9, "Strive not in a matter that concerns thee not." Says a Greek gnome - <p><span class="greek">Πολυπραγμονεῖν τὰλλότρια μὴ βοῦλου κακά</span> Our English proverb says, "He that intermeddles with all things may go shoe the goslings." The Telugu compares such interference to a monkey holding a snake in his paw; it is hard to hold, dangerous to let go (Lane). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/26-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Like one who grabs</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲזִ֥יק</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·zîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a dog</span><br /><span class="heb">כָ֑לֶב</span> <span class="translit">(ḵā·leḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3611.htm">Strong's 3611: </a> </span><span class="str2">A dog, a male prostitute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the ears</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאָזְנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’ā·zə·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - fdc<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_241.htm">Strong's 241: </a> </span><span class="str2">Broadness, the ear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is a passer-by</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹבֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who meddles</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר</span> <span class="translit">(miṯ·‘ab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a quarrel</span><br /><span class="heb">רִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not his own.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹּֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/26-17.htm">Proverbs 26:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/26-17.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 26:17 Like one who grabs a dog's ears (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/26-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 26:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/26-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 26:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 26:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>