Proverbs 26:17-22

He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife.

Mischievous citizens

I. The meddler (Proverbs 26:17).

1. His conduct defined.

2. His mischief indicated. Renders himself liable to the anger of one, if not both, of the contending parties.

II. The liar (Proverbs 26:18).

1. By his false representations he involves his neighbour in some embarrassment, contention, or pain, and then excuses himself by saying, “It is in sport.” A lie is no less a lie because spoken in the spirit of frolic and jest.

2. Many a practical jester does the maniac’s mischief without the maniac’s excuse.

III. The querulous (Proverbs 26:21). He is a social incendiary.

IV. The talebearer (Proverbs 26:22).

1. He maintains strife. As the microscopic sting of a little insect sometimes poisons the blood and influences the body of a strong man, the mere whisper of a talebearer will kindle the fire of discord in a whole community.

2. He infects with poison; his words destroy the mental peace of him to whom they are uttered, the reputation of him of whom they are uttered, and the social happiness of both. (D. Thomas, D. D.)