Proverbs 26:17
Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
In context
14 As a door turns on its hinges, so does a sluggard on his bed. 15 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish; it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. 18 Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death 19 is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!” 20 For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
Compare in other versions
- KJV King James Version
— Proverbs 26:17 in the KJV
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, Is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
- NIV New International Version
— Proverbs 26:17 in the NIV
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.