TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Proverbs 17:14.
Here is, 1. The danger that there is in the beginning of strife. One hot word, one peevish reflection, one angry demand, one spiteful contradiction, begets another, and that a third, and so on, till it proves like the cutting of a dam; when the water has got a little passage it does itself widen the breach, bears down all before it, and there is then no stopping it, no reducing it. 2. A good caution inferred thence, to take heed of the first spark of contention and to put it out as soon as ever it appears. Dread the breaking of the ice, for, if once broken, it will break further; therefore leave it off, not only when you see the worst of it, for then it may be too late, but when you see the first of it. Obsta principiis - Resist its earliest display. Leave it off even before it be meddled with; leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The indolent mind for the most part lapses by degrees into downfall. We neglect to guard against idle words, and so we go on to hurtful ones. At first it pleases us to talk of other the affairs of others; afterwards the tongue gnaws with detraction at the lives of those of whom we talk. Then at last we break out into open slanders. Thus are sown pricking thorns, quarrels arise, the torches of enmities are kindled and peace of heart is extinguished. Therefore, it is well said by Solomon, “The beginning of strife is like letting out water.” For to let out water is to let loose the tongue to a flurry of speech.
Commonly, since the slothful mind is brought gradually to a downfall by our neglect to guard against idle words, we come to utter harmful ones. At first we are satisfied to talk about the affairs of others, then the tongue gnaws with detraction the lives of those of whom we speak, and finally we break out into open slanders. Hence provocations are sown, quarrels arise, the torches of hatred are lit, peace of heart is extinguished. Therefore it is well said by Solomon: “The beginning of quarrels is as when one lets out water.” For to let out water is to loose the tongue in a spate of words. .
He who releases water, etc. To release water is to loosen the tongue into flowing speech. In a good sense, it is said, "Deep waters, words from the mouth of a man." Therefore, he who releases the waters is the beginning of quarrels, because he who does not restrain his tongue disrupts harmony. Whence it is written conversely, "He who imposes silence on a fool mitigates wrath."
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Summary
Proverbs 17:14 delivers a profound and urgent warning about the nature of conflict, likening its inception to the breaching of a dam or the uncontrolled release of water. This vivid imagery underscores how easily and rapidly a seemingly minor disagreement or initial spark of contention can escalate into an overwhelming and destructive force, causing widespread damage to relationships and community harmony. The proverb, therefore, issues a critical imperative: to cease contention decisively and immediately at its earliest stage, emphasizing that preventing a dispute from gaining momentum is far wiser and less costly than attempting to contain its ruinous effects once it has become entrenched.
Context
Literary Context
Proverbs 17 is situated within the "Proverbs of Solomon" (chapters 10-22), a collection characterized by its concise, often antithetical or synonymous parallelism, offering practical wisdom for daily life and ethical conduct. This chapter, like much of the book, contrasts the paths of wisdom and folly, detailing the consequences of each. Proverbs 17:14 functions as a pivotal admonition against the initiation and escalation of interpersonal conflict, fitting seamlessly into the broader discourse on righteous living and maintaining social order. It is immediately preceded by a warning against returning evil for good in Proverbs 17:13 and followed by a condemnation of perverting justice in Proverbs 17:15. This placement highlights the proverb's emphasis on the importance of just and peaceful interactions within the community, reinforcing the idea that wisdom leads to harmony, while folly breeds discord.
Historical & Cultural Context
The imagery of "letting out water" would have resonated deeply with an ancient Israelite audience, whose lives were intimately connected to agriculture and the precarious management of water resources. In a land prone to droughts and flash floods, irrigation systems, wells, and dams were vital for survival. A breach in such a system, allowing water to gush uncontrollably, meant immediate and widespread devastation to crops, homes, and livelihoods. This cultural understanding of water's destructive potential when unleashed provides a powerful backdrop for the proverb's warning. Furthermore, ancient Israelite society placed a high premium on communal harmony and reputation. Disputes could easily unravel the delicate fabric of village life, impacting family honor, economic cooperation, and social standing. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, sought to instill virtues that would ensure a stable and prosperous society, reflecting the covenantal ideal of a people living in peace under God's law.
Key Themes
Proverbs 17:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Book of Proverbs. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the destructiveness of folly and the wisdom of self-control. The analogy of uncontrolled water vividly portrays the chaotic and damaging outcomes of unrestrained anger and dispute, a motif echoed in passages like Proverbs 26:21, which speaks of a quarrelsome person fueling contention. Secondly, the proverb 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, which declares wisdom to be 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 numerous proverbs that advocate for gentle answers, patience, and the avoidance of quarrels, such as Proverbs 15:1 and Proverbs 20:3.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term 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, underscoring the proverb's call for immediate action.
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 from a broken barrier.
This primitive 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, making resolution exceedingly difficult.
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. It implies that the initial act of "letting out" is often a deliberate or careless act that unleashes an uncontrollable consequence.
"therefore leave off contention"
This is the imperative command, the practical application derived directly 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, prioritizing peace over the desire to win or prolong the argument.
"before it be meddled with"
This final phrase specifies the critical 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 and that the longer it continues, the more difficult and damaging it becomes.
Literary Devices
Proverbs 17:14 masterfully employs a powerful Simile to convey its urgent 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 the comparative "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 an uncontrolled 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 that far outweighs the initial cause. Furthermore, the structure of the proverb, moving from a descriptive analogy to a direct imperative ("therefore leave off contention"), functions as a clear form of Didactic Instruction, providing actionable wisdom for life.
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 that mirrors God's patience and long-suffering towards humanity.
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, a stubborn clinging to one's own opinion – 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, preserving our witness and fostering environments of grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water" mean?
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, a critical comment, or a defensive reaction 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 and the irreversible harm it can inflict.
Why is it important to "leave off contention, before it be meddled with"?
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 which speaks of a soft answer turning away wrath and Proverbs 14:29.
Does this proverb mean we should avoid all disagreements or difficult conversations?
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, injustice addressed, or boundaries established, 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 to speak only what is helpful for building others up.
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. His teachings, such as the Beatitudes, elevate peacemakers, declaring them blessed and children of God. Furthermore, Christ's ultimate act on the cross was not one of contention, but of profound reconciliation, taking upon Himself the "strife" between God and humanity, thereby making peace through the blood of His cross. He calls His followers to be ambassadors of this peace, urging them to pursue peace with all people and to live in harmony with one another. 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.