"Read My Lips"

Proverbs 10 has a lot to tell us about the tongue. Let me just list them for you - take the time to think about what they are saying.

[6] Blessings are on the head of the righteous,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

[8] The wise of heart will receive commandments,
but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

[10] Whoever winks the eye causes trouble,
and a babbling fool will come to ruin.

[11] The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life,
but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.

[13] On the lips of him who has understanding, wisdom is found,
but a rod is for the back of him who lacks sense.

[14] The wise lay up knowledge,
but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.

[18] The one who conceals hatred has lying lips,
and whoever utters slander is a fool.

[19] When words are many, transgression is not lacking,
but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

[20] The tongue of the righteous is choice silver;
the heart of the wicked is of little worth.

[21] The lips of the righteous feed many,
but fools die for lack of sense.

[31] The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom,
but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

[32] The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable,
but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

James 3:1-12

"Just Walk Away"

Proverbs 26:17 "Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears."

I've never actually grabbed a passing dog by the ears. I've never even been tempted to grab a passing dog by the ears. But I must admit I have been tempted to meddle in quarrels not my own. Some times it's hard to mind our own business. Meddling means to get involved on our own initiative. We were not asked but just thought we'd "help". The point is quite simple - If you meddle in a quarrel not your own you will get hurt. A dog (probably) cannot bite you while you're holding both it's ears. (again I cannot verify this from experience) However, you cannot hold on to a dogs ears forever. You eventually have to let go, and when you do watch out, apparently they don't like it. You see, a passing dog is not your dog, it belongs to someone else. You have no idea how it will react when you grab it's ears. If it was your dog you would know. But this quarrel is not yours so leave it alone. Not only will we get hurt he is also saying when we meddle in these "quarrels not our own" we may actually escalate them and make things worse. Grabbing a dog by both it's ears does not improve its disposition. So the next time we are tempted to meddle in an argument not our own, we should just keep on walking. If there is a quarrel between two people let them work it out. We (I) must resist the urge to play the "wonderful counselor". I believe that position has already been taken anyway. As juicy and tempting as the opportunity may seem to jump in and get involved , listen to the wisdom of Solomon, just walk away.