Proverbs 26:17

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 Living Translation (NLT)Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

Context of Proverbs 26:17

15The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. 16The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes Than seven men who can answer sensibly. He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own Is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death, 19Is the man who deceives his neighbor, And says, “I was only joking!”

Proverbs 26:17 word by word

מַחֲזִ֥יק בְּאָזְנֵי־כָ֑לֶב עֹבֵ֥ר מִ֝תְעַבֵּ֗ר עַל־רִ֥יב לֹּֽא־לֽוֹ׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• He that passeth byעָבַר‛âbar · to pass: bringH5674
• meddlethעָבַר‛âbar · be angryH5674
• with strifeרִיבrîyb rib · strifeH7379
• one that takethחָזַקchâzaq · to strengthen: holdH2388
• a dogכֶּ֫לֶבkeleb · dogH3611
• by the earsאֹ֫זֶן'ôzen · earH241

Cross-references for Proverbs 26:17

• Proverbs 17:11An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
• Proverbs 18:6A fool’s lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
• Proverbs 20:3It is honorable for a man to stop striving, Since any fool can start a quarrel.
• Luke 12:14But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?”
• 2 Timothy 2:23But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

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

• Strife

In the dictionaries

• Causeless
• Conceit
• Kindle
• Render
• Seemly
• Sport
• Talebearer
• Hezekiah (2)
• Proverbs, the Book of
• Vex, Vexation

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