Meddler
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In the context of biblical teachings, a "meddler" is someone who involves themselves in matters that do not concern them, often leading to unnecessary conflict or strife. The Bible provides guidance on the behavior and character of individuals, and meddling is generally viewed negatively as it disrupts peace and harmony within communities and relationships.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Peter 4:15 : "Indeed, none of you should suffer as a murderer or thief or wrongdoer, or even as a meddler." This verse places the act of meddling alongside serious offenses such as murder and theft, indicating the severity with which it is viewed. The apostle Peter warns believers against engaging in such behavior, suggesting that it is contrary to the Christian way of life.

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 proverb uses a vivid metaphor to illustrate the foolishness and potential danger of meddling in disputes that do not involve oneself. Just as grabbing a dog by the ears can lead to being bitten, so can interfering in others' conflicts lead to personal harm or escalation of the situation.

3. Proverbs 20:3 : "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." While this verse does not mention meddling directly, it highlights the wisdom in avoiding unnecessary disputes. Meddling often leads to quarrels, and the Bible encourages believers to seek peace and resolution rather than engaging in foolish arguments.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, meddling is seen as a manifestation of pride and a lack of trust in God's sovereignty. By interfering in matters that do not concern them, meddlers may be attempting to exert control or influence where it is not their place to do so. This behavior can be rooted in a desire for power, recognition, or self-importance, all of which are contrary to the humility and selflessness that Christ exemplified.

Practical Applications:

Believers are encouraged to focus on their own responsibilities and to trust God to handle situations beyond their control. The Bible calls Christians to live peaceably with others (Romans 12:18) and to mind their own affairs (1 Thessalonians 4:11). By refraining from meddling, individuals can foster a spirit of unity and love within their communities, reflecting the character of Christ.

Meddling in the Church:

Within the church, meddling can lead to division and discord. Church leaders and members are urged to address issues directly and biblically, following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17 for conflict resolution. Gossip and unwarranted interference can undermine the church's mission and testimony, making it crucial for believers to exercise discernment and restraint.

In summary, the Bible's teachings on meddling emphasize the importance of maintaining peace, respecting boundaries, and trusting in God's wisdom and timing. By avoiding the pitfalls of meddling, Christians can better serve one another and honor God in their relationships and communities.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) One who meddles; one who interferes or busies himself with things in which he has no concern; an officious person; a busybody.
Greek
244. allotriepiskopos -- one who meddles in things alien to his ...
... Word Origin from allotrios and episkopos Definition one who meddles in things
alien to his calling NASB Word Usage troublesome meddler (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/244.htm - 6k
Library

The Broken Fence
... 32. This slothful man did no hurt to his fellow-men: he was not a thief,
nor a ruffian, nor a meddler in anybody else's business. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the ...
... in formal state and with a great show of authority, hoping to make it apparent to
the people that Jesus was an unauthorized, self-appointed meddler in matters ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cviii in reply to the.htm

To Anatolius the Patrician.
... given. As to how these men judged in the case of the rest I will say nothing,
lest I may seem a meddler in what does not concern me. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxix to anatolius the patrician.htm

The Earthquake
... But for you, and your Korahs, Dathans, and Abirams like Severian and this dark-browed
Egyptian meddler, the Patriarch and I would have been the best of friends ...
/.../chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm

At the Well
... A wiry old woman seized him and drew him back. "Wilt thou humiliate him with
thy notice, meddler?" she demanded in a fierce whisper. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxvii at the well.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... At this moment Kenkenes became aware of him and, by an accurately aimed lump of
clay, drove the meddler out with a show of more asperity than the offense would ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Thesaurus
Meddler (1 Occurrence)
...Meddler (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or
a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. ...
/m/meddler.htm - 6k

Wrongdoer (16 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or
an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. (See RSV). ...
/w/wrongdoer.htm - 11k

Troublesome (3 Occurrences)
... Troublesome (3 Occurrences). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer,
or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. (See NAS). ...
/t/troublesome.htm - 7k

Doer (25 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as
a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. ...
/d/doer.htm - 14k

Murderer (17 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief,
or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. (WEB ...
/m/murderer.htm - 12k

Mischief-maker (2 Occurrences)
... Mischief-maker (2 Occurrences). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer,
or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. ...
/m/mischief-maker.htm - 7k

Meddled (1 Occurrence)

/m/meddled.htm - 6k

Meddlers (1 Occurrence)

/m/meddlers.htm - 6k

Busybody (3 Occurrences)
... work not at all, but are busybodies." It is also found in 1 Peter 4:15 the King
James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "meddler") "or as a ...
/b/busybody.htm - 8k

Criminal (4 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 4:15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or
a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters. (See NIV). ...
/c/criminal.htm - 7k

Resources
Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being a busybody? | GotQuestions.org

How should a Christian respond to all the negativity out there? | GotQuestions.org

Meddler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Meddler (1 Occurrence)

1 Peter 4:15
For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men's matters.
(WEB ASV NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Meddler

Related Terms

Gossipers (1 Occurrence)

Meddler (1 Occurrence)

Meddles (1 Occurrence)

People's (37 Occurrences)

Becoming (75 Occurrences)

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)

Houses (308 Occurrences)

Peter (181 Occurrences)

First (4693 Occurrences)

Meddled
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