Beware the Dog!
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).
If, when those around you are talking negatively about something or someone, you chip in with your contribution, you are taking a strange dog by the ears – so look out! If you get emotionally entangled in what is not your affair, through indignation, self-righteousness, hatred, or otherwise, you have seized the dog again – and he will bite. And even to think negatively concerning such matters in the secret chamber of your own heart, will bring you proportionate and natural punishment.
It is always right to think rightly about any person or situation, and if you do this many opportunities will come to you to help people practically, without any breach of law, and without coming near the dangerous dog.
Even when our thoughts, words and deeds are positive, we can be drawn into negativity by others. Rather than confirming their negative issues, we should always try to offer an alternative positive way of dealing with their issues. Then we are staying away from their dangerous dog, yet advising them how they might successfully overcome their own danger or other negative outcomes. Then we can stay on our positive track and hopefully help those around us find a way to deal with their issues in love, grace and forgiveness.
Dog watching,
Z gardener
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