“Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own.”

I think grabbing a wild dog’s ears sounds pretty dangerous and stupid. One of the great communication techniques Solomon likes to employ is making very clear and dramatic statements about simple truths. That way there is no missing the clarity of his point. Grabbing a dog by the ears is a dramatic image—especially considering no one sees a sweet little poodle in the illustration. We all see a powerful pit bull or a mangy, drooling mutt. Some people thrive on drama. If they can’t create it, they will step into someone else’s. It is enticing and a bit exciting to them. The result is often pain for everyone. When it happens in a work environment, it can disrupt productivity, relationships, and teamwork, and possibly even cost someone their job. That’s pretty nasty dog fighting. There’s no shortage of drama in the lives of those we interact with. Sometimes it is unavoidable in our own story, but as followers of Christ, we see the role of peacemaker as being a high calling. Our job is to minister within the drama we encounter and to avoid any that is not ours. Today, avoid the drama and be a blessing. #BeTheEdge

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 NIV