God’s Word Translation
Proverbs 26:17
17⌞Like⌟ grabbing a dog by the ears, ⌞so⌟ is a bystander who gets involved in someone else’s quarrel.
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
15A lazy person puts his fork in his food. He wears himself out as he brings it back to his mouth. 16A lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give a sensible answer. ⌞Like⌟ grabbing a dog by the ears, ⌞so⌟ is a bystander who gets involved in someone else’s quarrel. 18Like a madman who shoots flaming arrows, arrows, and death, 19so is the person who tricks his neighbor and says, “I was only 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 rebel looks for nothing but evil. Therefore, a cruel messenger will be sent ⌞to punish⌟ him.
- Proverbs 18:6By talking, a fool gets into an argument, and his mouth invites a beating.
- Proverbs 20:3Avoiding a quarrel is honorable. After all, any stubborn fool can start a fight.
- Luke 12:14Jesus said to him, “Who appointed me to be your judge or to divide ⌞your inheritance⌟?”
- 2 Timothy 2:23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. You know they cause 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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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