Some people are spoiling for a fight. This occurs for diverse reasons. There are those who hate injustice. Some people despise fools. Others may feel compelled to assist their friends or those who are being mistreated. As a result, people can be quick to jump into the fray when they encounter a conflict. Nevertheless, however noble such behavior may appear, it is fraught with danger.
Wise people understand that quarrels tend to escalate. Once a battle is entered, it is not easily withdrawn from. If we are careless, we can find ourselves mired in conflict that consumes our energy and attention. Much time and resources can be squandered while we seek to resolve conflicts. It can be like holding a dog by its ears. The animal may be furious with us, but as long as we strenuously hold it at arms length, we are relatively safe. But woe to the one who releases the hound! So we are stuck. As unpleasant as our present situation is, it is now impossible to let go and walk away.
Before you enter a battle that is not yours, take time to carefully consider the consequences. Are you prepared for a long, drawn out conflict? Is this really the battle you in which are willing to invest yourself fully, over a prolonged period of time? Are you really needed for this issue? Or, could it be best, in this case, for you to simply pass on by?