We are social creatures affected by the lives of those about us. We have some knowledge of right and wrong and good and evil, and we are to apply that in our daily lives. We also need to get better at applying that knowledge. We are curious, and for these and other reasons, we have a hard time minding our own business or understanding what affects us and what does not. All of us show a marked rejection of what we perceive as someone “sticking their nose in our affairs.” There are times when things do not or should not concern us, but we act as though they do.

One of the most dangerous assignments peace officers have is to be called to a family quarrel or dispute. The officers come because it is their job, but those involved are often incensed by their presence. In the cases where a quarrel really is not our own, we may think interference will help, but we need to know that there are times when great trouble can arise. If it is not our quarrel, we are grabbing a mad dog by the ears (Proverbs 26:17). Peace officers have a job to do—bystanders often do not. Think hard before you meddle.