Last week I wrote a devotion called DOGGIE ON A BONE TENACITY. The day after I wrote it I read today’s verse and then began thinking about another verse in the Bible that reference dogs. So, in honor of my dog-loving kids I’ve decided to run a short 3 Part Series called: LESSONS FROM THE FAMILY DOG. Here is Lesson #2, Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears. If you’d like to read them all, here is Lesson #1 Live with Doggie On The Bone Tenacity and Lesson #3 Don’t Eat What The Dog’s Eating
Don’t Be Found Yanking a Dog’s Ears
“Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.”
Proverbs 26:17 NLT
Years ago I became friends with a girl who was about 10 years older than me. Through our relationship I also became friends with her adult daughter. Because of their past history they often had relational issues and my friend regularly asked for my advice.
One time the daughter came to me with a situation between the two of them and because of the commonality of them getting me involved, I sent my friend a note with my ideas on how to help resolve this current conflict.
I expected her to respond in gratitude for my love, care and insight into their problem. The response was as gentle as what would happen when yanking a dog’s ears!
I learned a valuable lesson through this experience, but sadly it cost me a friendship; actually, two of them. I hope that sharing my story when I interfered in someone else’s argument will spare you the same consequences. When we’re in relationship with people it’s so hard not to be involved with what’s going on in their lives.
The closer our relationship to a person the easier it is to have the boundary lines blurred as to what is our business and what isn’t.
We need to exercise wisdom and discernment to know the difference and stay constantly alert to the borderline. Wisdom is holding back when giving advice until it’s requested.
This is something I struggle with. The teacher in me wants to help guide people, but some haven’t signed up for my course; if you get what I mean.
So, learn from my mistake…Unless you feel a clear direction from the Lord, Don’t be foolish and rush into someone else’s argument, unless they’ve invited you in, and sometimes not even then. You might just save yourself from getting bit!
Prayer
Father…In so much of life I need your discernment to make the right decisions; especially when it comes to human relationships. There often aren’t clear boundaries and I can unknowingly cross the line. Please help me to question more and jump in less. Let me walk in divine guidance in the words that I speak, the emotions I express and the relationships I involve myself with. In Jesus Name…Amen
[tweetthis]Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears Pr 26:17[/tweetthis]
If you liked the refreshing in this #SoulH2O devotion, you love my latest Soul H2O Devotional book: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women.
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YOU CAN OFTEN FIND ME LINKING UP WITH:
MONDAY Monday Meditations – Laura J. Davis,
TUESDAY Cheerleaders of Faith #RARaLinkup – Kelly Balarie,
WEDNESDAY Coffee For Your Heart – Holley Gerth, Word Nerd Wednesdays — Liz Giertz
THURSDAY Heart Encouragement Thursday – Crystal Storms, Chasing Community – Barbara Bradford Ottinger
FRIDAY Dance With Jesus Linkup – Susan B. Mead, Grace and Truth Linkup – Arabah Joy, Counting My Blessings – Deb Wolf, Fresh Market Friday – Crystal Twaddell

Wow, this is wise counsel. Thanks, Sherry — and as my kids get older, I can see how this would relate to dealing with intra-family communications as well.
That’s a great application to this lesson Michele! Being wise to that will help for sure.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
A hard lesson to learn, but I think one we’ve all experienced.Thank you for sharing and have a great week!
Laura,
Hopefully we don’t have to keep learning that lesson 🙂 Praying for you!
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Thank you so much for this devotional. I actually got ‘bitten’ over the weekend when I tried to offer advice on a certain situation. I have learned my lesson and will stay out if it. I will pray for this and their situation but as to getting involved otherwise I will not unless I get very clear direction from God. It is difficult for me to see someone going through something when a part of me wants to help. I know exactly what you were talking about. God bless you.
Betty,
That dog bite stings for sure! Praying you and I know better for the future 🙂
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Hi Sherry,
So nice to see we’re neighbors at Holley’s place today! 🙂 Your situation with your friends sounds like an uncomfortable position but one I can really relate to since I often feel I have great advice I just need to share (and I’m learning it’s better to keep it to yourself!) but I think we’re just trying to be helpful. There’s so much wisdom in looking to God for guidance for the words we speak! xo
Valeri,
Love being your neighbour, just wish it was in Florida 🙂 It was an uncomfortable situation, thankfully I learned from it and I’m hoping they learned how to better get along.
Have a great weekend!
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Yep. Wise words here. One time a family at church went to the pastor for help in resolving a family conflict with their sister. They didn’t like the biblical counsel and left the church over it. Sometimes people aren’t going to listen even if they ask for help. Because what they really want is someone to tell them what they want to hear, whether it’s biblical wisdom or not.
Kelly,
It’s sad but true. We have to be so careful when giving advice, even when requested.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Thank you for sharing this wisdom and insight, Sherry, today over at #HeartEncouragement! Blessings to you!
My pleasure Stacey! Thanks for stopping by.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo
Such truth in your words, Sherry! Those boundary lines can get so confusing. “Wisdom is holding back …” Praying I remember your words when I’m tempted to “help.”
Sweet blessings! ((Hugs))
Crystal,
You’re a wise girl. I believe you’ll be alerted.
Glad to see you’re back. Praying you sense a renewed passion.
Be Blessed & Refreshed,
~Sherry
xoxo