Proverbs 17:14

KJV

¶ The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

KJV (with Strong's)

The beginning {H7225} of strife {H4066} is as when one letteth out {H6362} water {H4325}: therefore leave off {H5203} contention {H7379}, before {H6440} it be meddled {H1566} with.

Complete Jewish Bible

Starting a fight is like letting water through [a dike] -better stop the quarrel before it gets worse.

Berean Standard Bible

To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

American Standard Version

The beginning of strife isas when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 17:14 delivers a profound warning about the insidious nature of conflict, likening its inception to the breaching of a dam. Just as a small crack can unleash a devastating flood, so too can the seemingly minor beginnings of strife quickly escalate beyond control, causing widespread damage and irreparable harm. The proverb, therefore, urges immediate and decisive action to cease contention at its earliest stage, emphasizing that prevention is far simpler and less costly than attempting to contain a full-blown dispute.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 17 is part of the larger collection of Solomonic proverbs, specifically within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22), which are characterized by their two-line parallelism offering practical wisdom for daily living. This chapter, like many others in the book, juxtaposes wise and foolish behavior, often highlighting the consequences of each. Verses immediately preceding and following Proverbs 17:14 reinforce themes of wisdom, folly, and the importance of righteous conduct in relationships. For instance, [Proverbs 17:13](/proverbs/17-13 "Proverbs 17:13 - Returning Evil for Good") speaks against returning evil for good, while [Proverbs 17:15](/proverbs/17-15 "Proverbs 17:15 - Justifying the Wicked and Condemning the Just") addresses the injustice of acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent. Within this tapestry of ethical instruction, Proverbs 17:14 stands as a crucial admonition against the initiation and escalation of interpersonal conflict, serving as a practical guide for maintaining peace and order within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many agrarian cultures, placed a high value on community harmony and social cohesion. Disputes could easily disrupt the delicate balance of village life, affecting everything from agricultural cooperation to family honor. The imagery of "letting out water" would have resonated deeply with an audience familiar with irrigation systems, dams, and the catastrophic potential of uncontrolled floods, especially in a land where water was a precious and often scarce resource. A breach in an irrigation channel or a dam could ruin crops, homes, and livelihoods. Therefore, the proverb's warning against the "beginning of strife" would have been understood not merely as personal advice but as a vital principle for societal well-being, reflecting a culture where reputation, communal peace, and the avoidance of public shame were paramount. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, sought to instill virtues that would ensure a stable and prosperous society under God's covenant.
* **Key Themes:** Proverbs 17:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **the destructiveness of folly**, contrasting the wise person who avoids contention with the fool who engages in it. The analogy of uncontrolled water vividly portrays the chaotic and damaging outcomes of unrestrained anger and dispute, a common motif seen in passages like [Proverbs 26:21](/proverbs/26-21 "Proverbs 26:21 - Fueling Strife"). Secondly, it champions **proactive wisdom and discernment**, emphasizing that true wisdom lies in foresight and prevention rather than reactive damage control. This aligns with the book's broader call to seek understanding and apply knowledge to practical life situations, as highlighted in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"). Thirdly, the verse promotes **the pursuit of peace and harmony** in relationships, urging individuals to "leave off contention" before it becomes entrenched. This resonates with the numerous proverbs that advocate for gentle answers, patience, and the avoidance of quarrels, such as [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath") and [Proverbs 20:3](/proverbs/20-3 "Proverbs 20:3 - It is an Honor to Cease from Strife").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beginning (Hebrew, _rêʼshîyth'_):** This word signifies the "first" in place, time, order, or rank. In Proverbs 17:14, it emphasizes the very initial stage, the nascent spark, or the point of origin of strife. It highlights that the critical moment for intervention is at the very outset, before any significant development or escalation occurs.
* **strife (Hebrew, _mâdôwn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to judge" or "to contend," _mâdôwn_ refers to a contest, quarrel, brawling, contention, or discord. It denotes a state of active dispute or conflict, often characterized by verbal altercations and opposition. The proverb uses this term to describe the destructive force that, once unleashed, mirrors the uncontrollable flow of water.
* **letteth out (Hebrew, _pâṭar'_):** This primitive root means "to cleave or burst through," or causatively, "to emit." In the context of water, it evokes the image of a barrier breaking, allowing water to gush forth uncontrollably. This word powerfully conveys the idea of an initial, seemingly small breach that leads to an unstoppable outpouring, underscoring the proverb's central metaphor.
* **meddled with (Hebrew, _gâlaʻ'_):** This root means "to be obstinate" or "to inter-meddle." In the Hithpael stem (as used here, _hitgala'_), it implies becoming entangled, involved, or inflamed. The phrase "before it be meddled with" thus means before the conflict becomes deeply rooted, complex, or fully engaged to the point of no return, where both parties are stubbornly entrenched in their positions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water":** This clause establishes the central analogy, comparing the initiation of a quarrel to the breaching of a water barrier. The "beginning" (H7225, _rêʼshîyth_) emphasizes the critical, early stage. "Strife" (H4066, _mâdôwn_) refers to contention or quarrel. "Letteth out water" (H6362, _pâṭar_ H4325, _mayim_) vividly portrays an uncontrolled gush, illustrating how easily and rapidly conflict can escalate from a small spark to an overwhelming, destructive force, difficult to contain once released.
* **"therefore leave off contention":** This is the imperative command, the practical application derived from the preceding analogy. "Leave off" (H5203, _nâṭash_) implies abandoning, forsaking, or letting go. "Contention" (H7379, _rîyb_) is synonymous with strife, referring to a dispute or legal contest. The command urges an immediate cessation of the quarrel, recognizing the inherent danger in allowing it to continue. It calls for a deliberate act of disengagement and de-escalation.
* **"before it be meddled with":** This final phrase specifies the timing for cessation. "Before" (H6440, _pânîym_) indicates prior to. "Meddled with" (H1566, _gâlaʻ_) in its reflexive form, suggests before it becomes entrenched, complicated, or fully engaged and inflamed by persistent involvement. It underscores the wisdom of preventing the conflict from gaining momentum, becoming stubborn, or drawing others into its destructive vortex, highlighting that the point of no return is reached quickly.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:14 employs a powerful **Simile** to convey its message. The phrase "The beginning of strife *is as when* one letteth out water" directly compares the initial stage of conflict to the act of releasing water, using "as when" to draw the parallel. This simile is particularly effective due to its vivid and universally understood imagery. The act of "letting out water" evokes a sense of uncontrolled force, a sudden breach, and the subsequent, often catastrophic, flooding that is difficult, if not impossible, to stop once it has begun. This creates a strong **Metaphorical** association between the destructive power of a flood and the ruinous impact of escalating contention. The proverb also uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme difficulty of containing strife once it has started, suggesting an almost inevitable and overwhelming progression. Furthermore, the structure of the proverb, moving from a descriptive analogy to a direct imperative ("therefore leave off contention"), functions as a form of **Didactic Instruction**, providing clear, actionable wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 17:14 profoundly speaks to the biblical emphasis on peace, reconciliation, and the responsible use of speech. The analogy of uncontrolled water highlights the theological truth that sin, like strife, often begins subtly but quickly expands to engulf and corrupt, demonstrating its pervasive and destructive nature. The call to "leave off contention" before it escalates reflects God's desire for His people to live in harmony, reflecting His own character of peace and order rather than chaos and division. This wisdom is not merely practical but deeply spiritual, urging believers to exercise self-control and humility, recognizing that true strength lies not in winning every argument but in preserving unity and fostering a spirit of grace.

* [Proverbs 20:3](/proverbs/20-3 "Proverbs 20:3 - Honor in Ceasing from Strife")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Romans 12:18 - Live Peaceably with All")
* [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17 "James 3:17-18 - Wisdom from Above is Peaceable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 17:14 serves as a timeless and urgent reminder for navigating the complexities of human relationships in any era. In a world often characterized by quick reactions, social media disputes, and a culture of "winning" arguments, this proverb calls us to pause and consider the profound cost of unchecked conflict. It challenges us to cultivate a heightened awareness of the subtle beginnings of strife – a sharp word, an uncharitable assumption, a defensive posture – and to recognize these as the initial cracks in the dam. The wisdom here is not about avoiding difficult conversations, but about approaching them with intentionality, humility, and a commitment to peace rather than personal victory. It encourages us to develop the spiritual discipline of self-control, to choose de-escalation over escalation, and to prioritize the health of relationships and the peace of our communities above the fleeting satisfaction of being "right." By actively disengaging from the nascent stages of contention, we prevent the flood of bitterness, division, and regret that inevitably follows.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the subtle "beginnings of strife" that I often overlook or dismiss in my own interactions?**
* **How can I cultivate greater self-awareness and self-control to "leave off contention" before it escalates?**
* **In what areas of my life (family, work, church, online) am I most prone to engaging in or prolonging conflict, and what steps can I take to prioritize peace?**
* **What does it truly mean to "leave off contention" in a way that honors God and others, even when I feel justified in my position?**

### FAQ
**What does "the beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water" mean?**

Answer: This vivid analogy means that conflict, once initiated, is incredibly difficult to control and can quickly become overwhelmingly destructive, much like water gushing from a breached dam or a burst pipe. The proverb warns that even a small, seemingly insignificant start to an argument can rapidly escalate into a full-blown, unmanageable dispute, causing widespread damage to relationships and peace. It emphasizes the rapid, uncontrollable nature of escalating conflict.

**Why is it important to "leave off contention, before it be meddled with"?**

Answer: The phrase "before it be meddled with" implies stopping the conflict before it becomes deeply entrenched, complicated, or stubbornly engaged by both parties. It's crucial because once a dispute gains momentum, emotions run high, positions harden, and external factors or other individuals may become involved, making resolution far more challenging, painful, and costly. The proverb teaches that proactive disengagement and de-escalation at the earliest sign of trouble is the wisest and most effective strategy for preventing widespread relational damage, aligning with the wisdom found in [Proverbs 15:1](/proverbs/15-1 "Proverbs 15:1 - A Soft Answer Turns Away Wrath") which speaks of a soft answer turning away wrath.

**Does this proverb mean we should avoid all disagreements or difficult conversations?**

Answer: No, this proverb does not advocate for avoiding all disagreements or necessary difficult conversations. Instead, it warns against the *uncontrolled escalation of strife* and *contentiousness* – quarrels driven by pride, anger, or a desire to "win" at all costs. There are times when truth must be spoken, and injustice addressed, but the manner in which these are approached is key. The proverb encourages wisdom in how we engage, urging us to prevent disputes from becoming destructive, personal attacks or prolonged battles. It's about discerning when to disengage from unproductive contention and how to pursue peace, even when addressing challenging issues, as encouraged in [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 17:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the proverb warns against the destructive nature of human strife, Christ perfectly embodied the wisdom of peace and the power of de-escalation. He never "let out water" of contention for selfish gain or personal vindication, even when unjustly accused and provoked. Instead, He consistently chose peace, even to the point of suffering, fulfilling the prophecy of being the [Lamb who was silent before His shearers](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - The Suffering Servant"). His teachings, such as the Beatitudes, elevate peacemakers, declaring them [blessed and children of God](/matthew/5-9 "Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the Peacemakers"). Furthermore, Christ's ultimate act on the cross was not one of contention, but of reconciliation, taking upon Himself the "strife" between God and humanity, thereby [making peace through the blood of His cross](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ"). He calls His followers to be ambassadors of this peace, urging them to [pursue peace with all people](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness") and to [live in harmony with one another](/romans/15-5 "Romans 15:5 - Live in Harmony"). Thus, Proverbs 17:14, with its call to abandon destructive contention, points us to the Prince of Peace, who not only models perfect peace but also empowers us by His Spirit to live out this wisdom, transforming our relationships and bringing glory to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 25:8

¶ Go not forth hastily to strive, lest [thou know not] what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

Proverbs 20:3

¶ [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

2 Timothy 2:23

But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

Proverbs 15:1

¶ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

Ecclesiastes 7:8

Better [is] the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: [and] the patient in spirit [is] better than the proud in spirit.