Are you meddling in someone’s argument?

TODAY’S PROVERB: Like one who takes a dog by the ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own. Proverbs 26:17

Have you ever heard of the saying: “No good deed goes unpunished.”? I don’t like that saying. Cynical though it may be, there are times when the adage is true, as in the case of today’s proverb.

For most of us, in most situations, interfering in a stranger’s business — even for the best intentions — without being invited, is ill-advised. And, honestly, even if we’re invited it’s not a wise idea, until the LORD makes it clear we are to be involved. If we are not “called” to be part of the quarrel — even if it seems we have a vantage point of neutrality and can help, it won’t work out well — especially for us.

Since we only know what we know, and being a “passer-by” we don’t know much.

We’re not judges. The offended parties have not supplied us with detailed briefs and a long line of witnesses or boxes of evidence. Why would we think this is going to turn out well?

This also applies in many ways to taking sides in an argument or disagreement between people we know. When a friend or loved one is in a dispute or was perceived to have been harmed, this proverb is also wise counsel.

Prayerful neutrality is what’s needed in these situations. It creates space for resolution where the Holy Spirit can work. Taking sides will only divide. Remaining neutral, offering compassion, not meddling, and praying purposefully is the best solution. And, having done all that, you still may need to walk away.

There’s another arena where this applies. Social media. We may think we can avoid the repercussions of meddling in someone else’s quarrel with a quick post, but our words have power.

If we think about the fact that the universe was spoken into being (Genesis 1), that the written Word of that Creator became flesh (John 1), we must come to the conclusion that words carry weight.

Think twice about posting that hateful, cynical, cruel, hurtful post. Think twice about meddling in an already volatile situation. And remember that according to Jesus, even thinking ill against someone is the same as doing it in our Heavenly Father’s eyes (Matthew 5:17-48).

“You have heard it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever commits murder shall be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be subject to judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ shall be subject to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be subject to fiery Gehenna.” Matthew 5:21-22

If the quarrel is not our own, don’t get involved unless God truly shows you otherwise. Truly shows you His will. And that’s a wise thing.

In quarrels not our own, may be abide in prayerful neutrality, my friends.

Proverbs 26:17, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs