August 15, 2026

Proverbs 26:17

Belligerence

The one who grabs a stray dog with the ears is like someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.

Dear Readers,

I’m not afraid of dogs, but I have the utmost respect for them. I’d give the guard dog on the Mongolian postage stamp a wide berth. And it goes without saying that you shouldn’t pinch a dog by the ears — neither your own dog nor someone else’s.

The Proverbs of Solomon, which include today’s piece of advice, are words of wisdom for life. They are meant to help us live a peaceful life. This includes the advice not to get involved in other people’s disputes. There are disputes that are none of my business! The parties involved should resolve their problems themselves or seek a mediator. Either through a mediator or an arbitrator. Or they should even have the dispute settled in court.

Sometimes we get drawn into someone else’s dispute. Our Lord Jesus experienced this as well. While he was traveling and preaching, a man approached him. The man urged Jesus to intervene in an inheritance dispute (Gospel of Luke 12:13 ff.): ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’

But Jesus rebuffed him: “Who did appoint me to be a judge or an arbitrator between you?” Jesus speaks plainly. If it comes to the point where there is a dispute over an inheritance, then the heirs should settle their dispute in the courts or seek a mediator.

I remember someone who brought her inheritance dispute into our prayer group. She asked for our prayers that the dispute might be resolved in her favor. I rejected her prayer request at the time and showed her the passage from the Gospel of Luke. She became pensive. Later, she told me that the disputes had been settled amicably. She had found her peace again.

Back then the Lord Jesus warned his listeners: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” That still holds true today. I wonder how often greed is the cause of conflict — especially when it comes to the distribution of an inheritance.

Solomon’s advice tells me that we Christians should not interfere in other people’s disputes. We should always be people of peace! But when we are confronted with disputes, we must not stand idly by. We can help and we can pray for those in conflict! For both sides! We may pray in silence to our Father in heaven and ask Him to grant His divine peace and human reason to those who, over money and possessions, are biting at one another like angry dogs.

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. God bless you! May He protect you from greed and strife. May He grant you His peace and the willingness to reconcile if you have fallen out with one another.

I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on September 1.