A Dog By The Ears

I almost laughed out loud.

You see, very occasionally, I get fired up. I try to contain myself, and I usually do a good job. But there are times when I wish I could get problem-causing (in my opinion, of course) people in a room, sit 'em all down, and set 'em all straight. And you know, sometimes that is exactly what is called for. (But I think it's pretty rare, especially for me to be the setter-straighter.)

Tonight, I was searching through Scripture, trying to find that "perfect" verse to call down on another person. I was full of righteous indignation, too. The other party was clearly in the wrong, and clearly blind to that fact, and clearly needed some setting straight.

And I found the perfect verse all right, but it wasn't for the other party.

Proverbs 26:17

"He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears."

Duly noted, Lord, duly noted. I'll just let that dog pass on by...

And it gets better.

Proverbs 26:20

"When there is no wood, the fire goes out;
And when there is no talebearer, strife ceases."

Gotcha. No more tale-bearing-strife-causing wood for this fire.

Sometimes we just have to put our fingers in our ears and stop listening. Cause, girls, I can do without the strife.