The Bible Edge
Everyone needs an Edge, Believers can have a Bible Edge
Proverbs 26:17
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
Word pictures are powerful. They are short descriptions of everyday items or situations that teach profound truths. Over the next week or so some of my favorite word pictures from the Bible will be shared. If you have a favorite Biblical word picture please share it with me, I’d love to hear from you!
Today’s illustration, or word picture, is a warning to stay away from trouble that is not yours. If you do meddle with trouble that is not yours, you may find trouble that is not yours. I don’t know about you, but I have enough trouble in life with my own trouble, I don’t need yours. And you don’t need mine. The word picture about this is very clear; with just a few words the point is powerfully made. If we meddle in business that is none of our affair it is like we take a dog by the ears.
When I was a boy, there was a neighbor in our subdivision that had a red chow named Rufus. He was ferocious. Rufus lived inside a chain link fence that was about four feet high. From time to time, when we worked up the courage, we would walk up to the fence and hit it with a stick or rattle the fence by kicking it. The dog would charge, jump, bark, growl, and run around like the mad dog he was. Man, he was frightening! Every time I read the above verse I think of Rufus.
Most of the trouble we find ourselves in is not ours. It belongs to someone else, but we make it ours. God’s Word is so humorous, look at the illustration of someone taking a mad dog like Rufus by the ears. There is absolutely no way to let go without a high percentage chance of being bitten. If you let go with one hand the dog will turn and bite the other hand, and vice versa. If you let go with both hands the dog will lunge toward your face and neck area. Yet, you can’t hold on to the dog by the ears forever.
The next time you seem to think that you need to get involved in trouble that is not yours, remember the Bible edge found in this verse and count the cost. Be careful or you will be bitten! And by the way, watch out for Rufus!
William T. Howe, Ph.D.
Comments