Proverbs 17:14

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 25:8 (7 votes)

    ยถ 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 (7 votes)

    ยถ [It is] an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.
  • 2 Timothy 2:23 (5 votes)

    But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
  • 2 Timothy 2:24 (5 votes)

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ยถ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
  • Ecclesiastes 7:8 (3 votes)

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