Proverbs 17:14

¶ 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

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Proverbs 25:8 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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)

    ¶ [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)

    ¶ 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.