Amplified Bible
Proverbs 26:17
17Like 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.
Proverbs 26:17 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
- New International Version (NIV)Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
- New King James Version (NKJV)He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Context of Proverbs 26:17
15The lazy person buries his hand in the dish [losing opportunity after opportunity]; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16The lazy person is wiser in his own eyes Than seven [sensible] men who can give a discreet answer. 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. 18Like a madman who throws Firebrands, arrows, and death, 19So is the man who deceives his neighbor (acquaintance, friend) And then says, “Was I not joking?”
Read all of Proverbs 26Proverbs 26:17 word by word
מַחֲזִ֥יק בְּאָזְנֵי־כָ֑לֶב עֹבֵ֥ר מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר עַל־רִ֥יב לֹּֽא־לֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Proverbs 26:17
- Proverbs 17:11A rebellious man seeks only evil; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
- Proverbs 18:6A fool’s lips bring contention and strife, And his mouth invites a beating.
- Proverbs 20:3It is an honor for a man to keep away from strife [by handling situations with thoughtful foresight], But any fool will [start a] quarrel [without regard for the consequences].
- Luke 12:14But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or an arbitrator over [the two of] you?”
- 2 Timothy 2:23But have nothing to do with foolish and ignorant speculations [useless disputes over unedifying, stupid controversies], since you know that they produce strife and give birth to quarrels.
Commentaries on Proverbs 26:17
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 17He that passeth by - This proverb stands true ninety-nine times out of a hundred, where people meddle with domestic broils, or differences between men and their wives.Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 17Verse 17 To make ourselves busy in other men's matters, is to thrust ourselves into temptation.Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 17Wise people stay out of other people's arguments (compare Proverbs 26:21).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1717. meddleth--as in Pr 20:19; 24:21; as either holding a dog by the ears or letting him go involves danger, so success in another man's strife or failure involves a useless risk of reputation, does no good, and may do us harm.Read the comment
Topics related to Proverbs 26:17
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Proverbs 26
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
Amplified Bible — © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631
Commentaries