Stay out of trouble (Prov 26:17-26:19)

“Like somebody who takes a passing dog by the ears.

Is one who meddles in the quarrel of another.

Like a maniac

Who shoots deadly firebrands,

Who shoot arrows,

Is one who deceives a neighbor.

He says.

‘I am only joking!’”

If you meddle in someone else’s quarrels that is like picking up a passing dog by its ears. This could get you into a lot of trouble. Do not deceive you neighbor, and then tell him that you were only joking. You are then like a maniac who shoots deadly fires of arrows in all directions. Keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble.