The term "intermeddle" is used in the context of the Bible to describe the act of interfering or becoming involved in matters that do not concern oneself. This concept is often associated with the idea of unwarranted or intrusive involvement in the affairs of others, which can lead to discord or conflict. The notion of intermeddling is addressed in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Proverbs.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 20:3 : "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." This verse highlights the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary disputes and suggests that intermeddling in conflicts can be a sign of foolishness. The honorable path is to seek resolution rather than to engage in quarrels that do not concern oneself.

2. Proverbs 26:17 : "Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own." This vivid metaphor illustrates the danger and folly of intermeddling. Just as grabbing a dog by the ears can provoke an aggressive response, so too can interfering in others' disputes lead to unintended and potentially harmful consequences.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the concept of intermeddling is tied to the broader biblical principles of wisdom, discretion, and peace-making. The Bible encourages believers to live peaceably with others (Romans 12:18) and to exercise discernment in their interactions. Intermeddling is often contrasted with the virtues of minding one's own business and maintaining a quiet life, as advised in 1 Thessalonians 4:11.

Practical Application:

In practical terms, avoiding intermeddling involves recognizing the boundaries of one's involvement in the lives of others. It requires a balance between offering help and respecting the autonomy of others. Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9) and to offer counsel and support when appropriate, but they are also cautioned against becoming entangled in disputes that do not concern them.

Related Concepts:

· Gossip: Intermeddling is often linked to gossip, as both involve inappropriate involvement in others' affairs. The Bible warns against gossip as a destructive force that can sow discord among brethren (Proverbs 16:28).

· Judgment: Intermeddling can also relate to the issue of judgment, where individuals may presume to judge or interfere in matters beyond their purview. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 about not judging others is relevant here, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection before involving oneself in the affairs of others.

· Peace and Unity: The avoidance of intermeddling is aligned with the biblical call to pursue peace and unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

In summary, the biblical concept of intermeddling serves as a caution against unwarranted involvement in the disputes and affairs of others, promoting instead a life characterized by wisdom, peace, and respect for the boundaries of personal responsibility.1. (v. i.) To meddle with the affairs of others; to meddle officiously; to interpose or interfere improperly; to mix or meddle with.

2. (v. t.) To intermix; to mingle.

INTERMEDDLE

in-ter-med'-'-l (`arabh, "to mix up (self) with something," "mingle in," "share," "take interest in"): The word occurs only once (Proverbs 14:10) in a passage descriptive of "the ultimate solitude of each man's soul at all times." "The heart knoweth its own bitterness."

"Nor even the tenderest heart, and next our own, Knows half the reasons why we smile and sigh."

(Compare 1 Kings 8:38.) Something there is in every sorrow which no one else can share. "And a stranger doth not intermeddle with its joy," not necessarily in an interfering or any offensive way, but simply does not share or take any interest in the other's joy.

For "intermeddleth with" (Proverbs 18:1 the King James Version), the Revised Version (British and American) gives "rageth against" (margin "quarrelleth with").

M. O. Evans

6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange
... security (1), share (1), surety (2). engage, intermeddle with, mingle self,
mortgage, occupy, give pledges,. A primitive root; to braid ...
/hebrew/6148.htm - 6k

1566. gala -- to expose, lay bare
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to expose, lay bare NASB Word Usage
breaks (1), quarrel (1), quarrels (1). intermeddle with. ...
/hebrew/1566.htm - 5k

Conclusion.
... thee? follow thou Me." Peter was prone to intermeddle with matters beyond
his sphere, and to manage other people's affairs for them. ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/xxvi conclusion.htm

The Security of Contemplatives Lies in their not Ascending to High ...
... It is of my own soul that I wish to speak now,"I do not intermeddle with
others,"and of the danger I was in because I would comply with the directions I ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxii the security of.htm

From the Introduction of Methodism into the City of New York, in ...
... And although it formed no part of the design of its disciples to enter into the
political speculations of the day, nor to intermeddle with the civil affairs of ...
/.../chapter 2 from the introduction.htm

Topic xii. If any one Says that Christ was Manifested in the World ...
... us glorify the Holy Spirit that worketh in us, and quickeneth us, and furnisheth
the gifts meet for the fellowship of God; and let us not intermeddle with the ...
/.../dubious or spurious writings of gregory thaumaturgus/topic xii if any one.htm

The Lives of Messrs. John Kid and John King.
... of mind, (as was usual with the martyrs in these times), and died in much peace
and joy; even a joy that none of their persecutors could intermeddle with. ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the lives of messrs john.htm

The Life of Mr. Patrick Simpson.
... of God upon himself in patronizing a manifest breach of divine laws: Immediately
after sermon, the king stood up and charged him not to intermeddle in these ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr patrick 2.htm

Recapitulation and Application of the Foregoing Arguments.
... with another, as existing on every side; and that all [the beings referred to] continue
in their own domains, and do not curiously intermeddle with others ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxi recapitulation and application of.htm

The Body of Paul, Bishop of Constantinople, is Honorably ...
... in their official character outside of the bounds of the diocese wherein they were
placed, just as it was unlawful for the civil officer to intermeddle in any ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of scholasticus/chapter ix the body of paul.htm

It Shall not be Lawful for a Clergyman to be at the Same Time ...
... But if any one has heretofore been removed from one church to another, he shall
not intermeddle with the affairs of his former church, nor with the martyries ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon x it shall not.htm

Whether Strife is a Daughter of Anger?
... Objection 3: Further, it is written (Prov.18:6): "The lips of a fool intermeddle
with strife." Now folly differs from anger, for it is opposed, not to meekness ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether strife is a daughter.htm

Intermeddle (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To intermix; to mingle. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. INTERMEDDLE. ...
MO Evans. Multi-Version Concordance Intermeddle (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/intermeddle.htm - 8k

Intermarry (5 Occurrences)

/i/intermarry.htm - 8k

Intermeddleth (2 Occurrences)

/i/intermeddleth.htm - 6k

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