He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Someone who gets involved in an argument that has nothing to do with them is like a person who grabs a dog by the ears.
This verse warns that inserting yourself into other people's conflicts will likely end badly for you, just like grabbing a dog's ears will get you bitten.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, proverbs were wise sayings often attributed to King Solomon, designed to impart practical guidance for daily living in a society where wisdom was highly valued. This proverb uses the metaphor of grabbing a dog's ears, which would have been seen as foolish and dangerous because dogs in that culture were often wild and prone to aggression, potentially leading to injury. It reflects the broader themes in wisdom literature that emphasize discernment in social interactions to avoid unnecessary trouble.
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