Forbear Thee from Meddling
Today’s Verse:
But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, What have I to do with thee, thou king of Judah? I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war: for God commanded me to make haste: forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that he destroy thee not. ~2 Chronicles 35:21
Has anyone ever told you to not stick your nose in someone else’s business? By this, they are saying that you are being intrusive and interfering with matters that do not concern you. This is also described as meddling in something that can lead to contention, strife, ill will, and hurt. Necho, the king of Egypt, told Josiah, king of Judah, “Forbear thee from meddling.”
We see the work.
“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies” (2 Thessalonians 3:11). The Bible describes meddling as the work of a busybody. Strong’s concordance gives the following description of a busybody: “to bustle about uselessly, to busy one's self about trifling, needless, useless matters.” Meddling is inserting ourselves into affairs and business that does not involve us. It is crossing an invisible boundary and stirring up potential havoc in relationships.
We see the wrong.
Necho came up to fight with Carchemish. Josiah heard about this and decided he wanted to get involved with the fight. Solomon said, “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water” (Proverbs 17:14a). He further said, “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (Proverbs 20:3). Necho told Josiah, “Forbear thee from meddling.” "Only by pride cometh contention." It is a sin to be contentious, gossip, and look for dirt on another person to his detriment and hurt. A meddling person is not a peacemaker but a troublemaker. Meddling leads to wars and fightings (James. 4:1).
We see the wreckage.
“Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.” Josiah would not stop his meddling. As the archers shot off a volley of arrows, an arrow found its way and mortally pierced Josiah. Josiah died unnecessarily in a war that was not his business. The person who is hurt the most in a conflict is always the one who does the meddling. There is always an appointed arrow that hits its mark in identifying the meddling person.
We see the warning.
“Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.” (Proverbs 17:14b). Step away from being a busybody, being contentious, or getting into a quarrel that is not your business. Don’t start a war that can result in your hurt. Necho told Josiah, “Forbear thee from meddling.” First, let it not be the business of a Christian to be contentious. Most contention arises out of pride, rivalry, jealousy, and a desire to get an upper hand on another person. Second, if someone wants to involve you in an affair that is not your business, leave it off. Third, follow peace and holiness, without which no man shall see God.
Have an honorable God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Nahum-Habakkuk