The term "meddle" in the biblical context generally refers to the act of interfering or involving oneself in matters that do not concern one, often leading to discord or unnecessary conflict. The Bible provides guidance on the wisdom of refraining from such behavior, emphasizing the importance of minding one's own affairs and living peaceably with others.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, the concept of meddling is often associated with strife and contention. Proverbs 26:17 states, "Like one who grabs a dog by the ears is a passerby who meddles in a quarrel not his own." This vivid imagery underscores the danger and folly of inserting oneself into disputes that do not pertain to one's responsibilities or concerns. The proverb warns that such actions can lead to harm, much like the unpredictable reaction of a dog when provoked.

Another pertinent reference is found in Proverbs 20:3 : "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." Here, the wisdom literature contrasts the honor of resolving conflicts with the foolishness of engaging in unnecessary quarrels, implicitly advising against meddling in disputes.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament also addresses the issue of meddling, particularly in the context of Christian conduct and community life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 , the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you." This instruction highlights the value of leading a peaceful life, focusing on one's own responsibilities rather than becoming entangled in the affairs of others.

Similarly, 1 Peter 4:15 advises, "But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer or even as a meddler." Here, meddling is listed alongside serious offenses, indicating the potential for significant disruption and harm that can result from such behavior. The apostle Peter's warning serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining integrity and respect for others' boundaries.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the admonitions against meddling align with the broader biblical principles of love, humility, and community harmony. Meddling often stems from pride, curiosity, or a desire to control, which are contrary to the humility and selflessness that Christ exemplified. By avoiding meddling, believers demonstrate respect for others' autonomy and contribute to the peace and unity of the body of Christ.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical counsel against meddling encourages individuals to focus on their own spiritual growth and responsibilities. It calls for discernment in choosing when to offer help or advice, ensuring that such actions are motivated by genuine love and concern rather than a desire to interfere. By adhering to these principles, Christians can foster healthier relationships and communities, reflecting the peace and order that God desires for His people.1. (v. i.) To mix; to mingle.

2. (v. i.) To interest or engage one's self; to have to do; -- / a good sense.

3. (v. i.) To interest or engage one's self unnecessarily or impertinently, to interfere or busy one's self improperly with another's affairs; specifically, to handle or disturb another's property without permission; -- often followed by with or in.

4. (v. t.) To mix; to mingle.

4020. periergazomai -- to waste one's labor about (a thing)
... be a busybody. From peri and ergazomai; to work all around, ie Bustle about
(meddle) -- be a busybody. see GREEK peri. see GREEK ergazomai. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4020.htm - 7k1624. garah -- to stir up (strife), engage in strife
... contend, meddle, stir up, strive. A primitive root; properly, to grate, ie
(figuratively) to anger -- contend, meddle, stir up, strive. 1623, 1624. ...
/hebrew/1624.htm - 6k

6148. arab -- to take on pledge, give in pledge, exchange
... to braid, ie Intermix; technically, to traffic (as if by barter); also or give to
be security (as a kind of exchange) -- engage, (inter-)meddle (with), mingle ...
/hebrew/6148.htm - 6k

1566. gala -- to expose, lay bare
... quarrels (1). intermeddle with. A primitive root; to be obstinate --
(inter-)meddle (with). 1565, 1566. gala. 1567 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/1566.htm - 5k

5674. abar -- to pass over, through, or by, pass on
... away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth,
his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make ...
/hebrew/5674.htm - 6k

That a Very Contemplative List not Meddle Him with Active Life ...
... HERE BEGINNETH THE SEVENTEENTH CHAPTER That a Very contemplative list not meddle
him with active life, nor of anything that is done or spoken about him, nor ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the seventeenth chapter.htm

Here Followeth a Discourse Between My Wife and the Judges, with ...
... to that day twelvemonth, to sue them out; therefore, though they would not let me
out of prison, as they let out thousands, yet they could not meddle with me ...
/.../grace abounding to the chief of sinners/here followeth a discourse between.htm

The Second Part.
... But now, as then, there are certaine false fires, abhominable to God, odious to
men, dangerous to the Nadabs and Abihues that meddle with them, bringing ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the second part.htm

All the Apostles Urge the Observance of the Order of the Church.
... the high priests to do, those might not be meddled with by the priests; and what
things were allotted to the priests, the Levites might not meddle with; but ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec v all the apostles urge.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... Now for the magistrate to assume this, is to take upon him to meddle with things
not within the compass of his jurisdiction; for if this were within the ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

The Silence of Faith.
... We know not what matters they were which were too high for him to meddle with; matters
about which he had to refrain his soul; to quiet his feelings; to ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxv the silence of.htm

I Knew How it Would Be.
... I never meddle with things that don't concern me.". "You know Dalton, then?". "I
think I do.". ... "I don't meddle myself with other people's affairs. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/i knew how it would.htm

Human Government.
... It is true, that Christians have something else to do than to go with a party to
do evil, or to meddle with politics in a selfish or ungodly manner. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xx human government.htm

How Herod Upon his Making Aristobulus High Priest Took Care that ...
... he fear that she would go on therein, if she found a fit opportunity for so doing;
so he gave a command that she should dwell in the palace, and meddle with no ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how herod upon.htm

Letter xiii. --To the Church at Nicomedia .
... For it is not lawful that the simple should meddle with that with which
they have no concern, but which properly belongs to others. ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xiii to the church at.htm

Meddle (6 Occurrences)
... or in. 4. (vt) To mix; to mingle. Multi-Version Concordance Meddle (6
Occurrences). Deuteronomy 2:5 Meddle not with them; for I will ...
/m/meddle.htm - 8k

Intermeddle (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vi) To meddle with the affairs of others; to meddle
officiously; to interpose or interfere improperly; to mix or meddle with. ...
/i/intermeddle.htm - 8k

Tamper (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (vi) To meddle; to be busy; to try little experiments; as, to tamper with a disease.
4. (vi) To meddle so as to alter, injure, or vitiate a thing. ...
/t/tamper.htm - 7k

Arrogant (60 Occurrences)
... Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm,
that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?" (See NIV). ...
/a/arrogant.htm - 22k

Proud (96 Occurrences)
... Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm,
that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?" (See NAS). ...
/p/proud.htm - 33k

Shouldst (61 Occurrences)
... (WBS). 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thy heart hath lifted thee
up: glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldst thou meddle to thy hurt ...
/s/shouldst.htm - 25k

Shouldest (79 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 14:10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and thine heart hath lifted thee up:
glory of this, and tarry at home: for why shouldest thou meddle to thy hurt ...
/s/shouldest.htm - 30k

Provoke (64 Occurrences)
... Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm,
that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?" (See NAS RSV). ...
/p/provoke.htm - 31k

Defeated (88 Occurrences)
... Enjoy the glory of it, and stay at home; for why should you meddle to your harm,
that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?" (See NAS NIV). ...
/d/defeated.htm - 32k

Lifts (26 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 25:19 You say, Behold, you have struck Edom; and your heart lifts you
up to boast: abide now at home; why should you meddle to your hurt, that you ...
/l/lifts.htm - 13k

Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org

Meddle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus