How does one reconcile both Matthew 5:9 and Proverbs 26:17?

[Vulnic]

Matthew 5:9:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.


Proverbs 26:17:

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.


Does not being a peacemaker mean that the person becomes even a tiny bit involved in someone else's affairs? If it does, how then can we be peacemakers if we shouldn't become 'meddled' in other peoples' business?

 

[madetoworship]

Definition of Meddle

: to interest oneself in what is not one's concern : interfere without right or propriety

You can be a peacemaker in your own affairs. Or be a mediator IF CALLED UPON. In the affairs of your fellow brother or sister in Christ, you SHOULD care for them and have the "right" or "responsibility" for that person's well-being.

Meddling would be crossing the line of what someone has a right to interfere on. This is the gray area that you are referring to and many people define what is open and what is closed off in their own ways. This is what is called "personal space".

In the early Church, people were in and out of each other's lives - like family. They had a very different definition than what a lot of Christians today share with others. Which is sad.

 

[BFine]

A biblical peacemaker is someone who brings the message of "peace"
to those who aren't saved...peacemakers are those who help to reconcile
others to God.

In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew word for “peace” is shalom, and it refers to relationships between people (Genesis 34:21), nations (1 Kings 5:12), and God with men (Psalm 85:8).

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

 

[asiyreh]

When you know the difference between which situations you should apply the appropriate instruction to, then you'll be living in the spirit of the Law and not trying to over systematize differing literature genres, of which there are several of, in the bible.

What questions will you be asking when you get to revelation only the Lord knows.

 

[SalvationAtYourFingertips]

Okay, I will explain it to you: in the first case (Matthew) you are solving problems because of the holy spirit in you. In the second case (proverbs) it is men meddling with other men. God has the right to meddle in the affairs of all men so the authority we have in Christ means we need to be Peace makers in order to please God.

 

[Philpy1976]

If you were to grab a passing dog by the ears, what can you expect to happen?
It's probable that you will be attacked or snarled at.
If you 'meddle' or interfere in others quarrels a similar reaction can be expected also.
But does this always mean you shouldn't?

So, does this verse tell us not to, or simply remind us of what to expect if/when we do?

We are told in no uncertain terms that truly following Christ will result in the world hating us, this is not hidden, it is out there as plain as day.

The term Sons of God was often used to describe Angels, messengers.
By following Christ completely, we will be spreading His message and be hated.

The two verses go together perfectly, from this perspective, do they not?

 

[parsley]

It is important to defend justice and proactively keep peace, but often conversations are so short, that it's not worth adding another opinion to a quarrel. Use the time well.

Solomon's writings were usually musings and observations. He showed the consequences of actions. He observed that when people meddled, even for the noblest of reasons, they got their hand bit. Cause and effect.

Jesus' statements challenged what people already believed -- not to destroy, but to test the limits. Not to overturn Judaism, but to show people how they had built up a lot of premises and legalities that weren't there in the original precepts.

The Jews at the time of Jesus were living under Roman rule -- they were very tempted to fight for their freedom, to preserve their heritage and faith. Jesus reminded them that they could be powerful within a system that was larger than them -- that their effectiveness was not limited by not having their own land and rule. They could be forces for peace, and hold fast to their faith even when things got oppressive.

Freedom of religion comes from within.

 

[Ark100]

Matthew 5:9:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.


Proverbs 26:17:

Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.


Does not being a peacemaker mean that the person becomes even a tiny bit involved in someone else's affairs? If it does, how then can we be peacemakers if we shouldn't become 'meddled' in other peoples' business?

I cracked up at this question. A bit funny especially the proverb one.
I would think that meddling means 'interfere in or busy oneself unduly with something that is not one's concern' in the dictionary.

Being a peacemaker is different from meddling into another's affair or business. So the two verses are totally different.
A peacemaker makes peace. They are peaceful and avoid quarrels and chaos.
Whereas the latter is a proverb warning people about NOT interfering unduly in affairs that is not of their concern.
pretty much different meanings.

 

[hedrick]

It's at least potentially a real conflict. If the people involve in the quarrel want mediation, then things are fine. Not meddling, and Proverbs doesn't apply. If they don't, sometimes a friend may still think it's wise to intervene. And the people may not always react well. Prov 26:17 shows a danger, but it's a danger we may choose to risk in the interests of the people involved.

 

[seeingeyes]

I think Proverbs 15:1 reconciles these two: "A soft answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger."