He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.
He that passeth by, (and) meddleth with [or as the Hithpael of `aabar (H5674 ) means (cf. margin), 'is in a transport of rage with'] strife (belonging) not to him, (is like) one that taketh a dog by the ears. Needless and uncalled for, and especially angry intermeddling with the quarrels of others not only does no good, but brings mischief on the meddler; as if one caught a dog by the ears, and so gotten himself bitten for his pains. On the other hand, wise interposition as a mediator, for the sake of peace, is altogether right.