Proverbs 26:17 kjv — He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

King James Version

"He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears."

— Proverbs 26:17, King James Version

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Proverbs 26:17 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Proverbs 26 — Context

14

As the door turneth upon his hinges, so doth the slothful upon his bed.

15

The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.

16

The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

17

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

18

As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

19

So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?

20

Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.

Proverbs 26:17 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Proverbs 26:17 say?
Proverbs 26:17 in the King James Version reads: “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.”
Where is Proverbs 26:17 in the Bible?
Proverbs 26:17 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Proverbs, chapter 26, verse 17.
Who wrote Proverbs?
Proverbs is traditionally attributed to Solomon (primarily), with sections by Agur and Lemuel. It was written c. 970–700 BC.
What is the book of Proverbs about?
Proverbs is practical wisdom for everyday life — short, vivid sayings on speech, work, money, friendship, sex, parenting, and the fear of the LORD. It teaches that wisdom is not mere cleverness but a way of walking with God in a complicated world.
What are the major themes of Proverbs?
Proverbs explores themes including Wisdom, Folly, Fear of the LORD, Discipline, Speech, Diligence. These themes shape the meaning and context of Proverbs 26:17.
What translation should I read Proverbs 26:17 in?
Proverbs 26:17 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Proverbs 26:17?
Proverbs 26:17 reads (KJV): “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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