It Always Takes Two to Quarrel
December 31, 2022
Commentary
One who grabs a dog by the ears may expect to be bitten (v. 17). The same is true of someone who gets involved in other peoples’ quarrels (vv. 18-19). It is best to stay out of others’ quarrels and let them settle their own differences between themselves. When you stop putting wood on a fire it will go out. The same thing will happen when you stop adding fuel to a quarrel (v. 20). Remember that it always takes two to quarrel. When one person ceases to argue the strife will end. However, when coals are added to burning coals, it only causes a fire to be revived that would have soon gone out. The same is true of a contentious man who keeps people inflamed with dissension and hatred (v. 21).
It is sad to see a gossiper going around stirring up unholy passions and making unhappy matters more difficult to solve. The words of a whisperer can inflict deadly wounds (v. 22). One who pretends to be very loving and gracious, while all the time his heart is bent on evil, is like a cheap earthen vessel that has been coated with a veneer of silver (v.23). The pleasant talk of an enemy hides more evil plans than can be counted, so don’t believe a word (vv. 24-25)! This person with his fair speech may fool people for a time but eventually his true character will come out (v. 26).
In time the person who has dug a pit for others will fall into the pit himself. He is like a man who is rolling up a steep hill and thinks he has it under control. Then all at once he slips and the stone breaks loose and crushes him to death (v.27). An example of this was Haman who hanged on the gallows he had made for Mordecai. Watch out for anyone who tells lies and flatters, they are out to get you (v. 28). Proverbs shows how sin often boomerangs and the person who tries to destroy others will be destroyed himself.
Application
Have you ever been guilty of arguing with someone and determined to win your point? I must always remember that arguing leads to hatred if it is continued.
Proverbs 26:17– 28 (NET)
17 Like one who grabs a wild dog by the ears, so is the person passing by who becomes furious over a quarrel not his own.
18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands and deadly arrows,
19 so is a person who has deceived his neighbor, and said, “Was I not only joking?”
20 Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no gossip, contention ceases.
21 Like charcoal is to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious person to kindle strife.
22 The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; and they have gone down into a person’s innermost being.
23 Like a coating of glaze over earthenware are fervent lips with an evil heart.
24 The one who hates others disguises it with his lips, but he stores up deceit within him.
25 When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations within him.
26 Though his hatred may be concealed by deceit, his evil will be uncovered in the assembly.
27 The one who digs a pit will fall into it; the one who rolls a stone—it will come back on him.
28 A lying tongue hates those crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.