A madman who grabs a dog by the ears will be bitten in return. Likewise, we may feel called and equipped to take up the offences of others, or to mediate between contending parties. Yet, there is a great difference between striving to be true peacemakers, and overconfidently intruding into others’ business, which causes injury to them and the would-be mediator. This is a critical difference that is important to recognize and respect.
17 Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.