WISDOM FROM A STRAY DOG
Some things in life should be no-brainers. Like swimming in a shark tank or sticking your hand in a pit of vipers. How about this one from the book of Proverbs? “Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own” (Proverbs 26:17). I’ve never wanted to grab a stray dog by the ears. For one simple reason: anything you do next is wrong.
Most of us have probably made the mistake of getting involved in a quarrel we’re not part of. We learn of two friends in conflict. We step in to help them resolve it, and discover we’ve grabbed a mad dog by the ears. Now both parties hate us, and we only wanted to help.
When I first started in full-time ministry, two blood-related sisters in my church constantly quarreled. I grew weary of it, so at the advanced age of twenty-four, possessing the wisdom of Solomon, I determined to bring the bickering to an end. Unfortunately, I possessed something more dangerous than wisdom: the belief that I possessed wisdom. I grabbed the “stray dog by the ears,” and brought the two of them together, as a mediator.
I learned quickly that blood truly is thicker than water. Instantly they abandoned their conflict and turned on me like a pack of hyenas on a dead wildebeest. I probably would have fared better had I actually grabbed a dog by the ears. I walked away, licking my wounds, having learned a hard lesson. The “stray dog” analogy is true.
1 Peter 4:15 warns against being a “meddler.” There’s a difference between being asked to help and appointing yourself referee. Unless you’re invited to intervene, you might want to think about stepping away. Take it from me, getting bit by a stray dog isn’t a lot of fun.
Ponder:
When have you found yourself in a “stray dog” situation?
How can you help others in conflict without directly getting involved?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study 1 Peter 3:12-15.
Loving Father, please fill me with your Spirit and empower me to walk in wisdom. Help me to allow others to sort out their own issues, unless I’m asked to help.
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