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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 17:14 To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/17-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/20_Pro_17_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 17:14 - Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/17.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of strife <i>is as</i> when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/17.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The beginning of strife <i>is like</i> releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/17.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is <i>like</i> letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/17.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The beginning of strife is <i>like</i> letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/17.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The beginning of strife is <i>like</i> letting out water, So abandon the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/17.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes]; Therefore abandon the quarrel before it breaks out <i>and</i> tempers explode.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/17.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/17.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/17.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/17.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The start of an argument is like a water leak--so stop it before real trouble breaks out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/17.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before there be quarrelling.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/17.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Starting a quarrel is [like] opening a floodgate, so stop before the argument gets out of control.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/17.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/17.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Starting a quarrel is like spilling water— so drop the dispute before it escalates.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/17.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/17.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/17.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/17.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/17.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/17.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, "" And leave the strife before it is meddled with.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/17.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The beginning of contention is a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/17.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The causing water to break forth is the beginning of strife: cast off contention before being irritated.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/17.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: before he suffereth reproach he forsaketh judgment. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/17.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Whoever releases the water is the head of the conflict. And just before he suffers contempt, he abandons judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/17.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The start of strife is like the opening of a dam; check a quarrel before it bursts forth! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/17.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop before the quarrel breaks out.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/17.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He who sheds blood stirs up judgment before the ruler.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/17.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He that sheds blood provokes judgment before a Ruler.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/17.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; Therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/17.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/17-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=3397" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/17.htm">Better a Dry Morsel in Quietness</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>If anyone returns evil for good, evil will never leave his house. <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7225.htm" title="7225: rê·šîṯ (N-fsc) -- Beginning, chief. From the same as ro'sh; the first, in place, time, order or rank.">To start</a> <a href="/hebrew/4066.htm" title="4066: mā·ḏō·wn (N-ms) -- Strife, contention. From diyn; a contest or quarrel.">a quarrel</a> <a href="/hebrew/6362.htm" title="6362: pō·w·ṭêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To separate, remove, set free. A primitive root; to cleave or burst through, i.e. to emit, whether literal or figurative.">is to release</a> <a href="/hebrew/4325.htm" title="4325: ma·yim (N-mp) -- Waters, water. Dual of a primitive noun; water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen.">a flood;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5203.htm" title="5203: nə·ṭō·wōš (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to pound, i.e. Smite; by implication to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon.">so abandon</a> <a href="/hebrew/7379.htm" title="7379: hā·rîḇ (Art:: N-ms) -- Strife, dispute. Or rib; from riyb; a contest.">the dispute</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: wə·lip̄·nê (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/1566.htm" title="1566: hiṯ·gal·la‘ (V-Hitpael-Perf-3ms) -- To expose, lay bare. A primitive root; to be obstinate.">it breaks out.</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous—both are detestable to the LORD.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a></span><br />In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a></span><br />Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a></span><br />If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-26.htm">Ephesians 4:26-27</a></span><br />“Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger, / and do not give the devil a foothold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">2 Timothy 2:23-24</a></span><br />But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. / And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-15.htm">Galatians 5:15</a></span><br />But if you keep on biting and devouring one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">1 Corinthians 1:10</a></span><br />I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a></span><br />Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Titus 3:9</a></span><br />But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Genesis 13:8</a></span><br />So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are kinsmen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/45-24.htm">Genesis 45:24</a></span><br />Then Joseph sent his brothers on their way, and as they were leaving, he said to them, “Do not quarrel on the way!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/17-7.htm">Exodus 17:7</a></span><br />He named the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled, and because they tested the LORD, saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/25-24.htm">1 Samuel 25:24-25</a></span><br />She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/2-14.htm">2 Samuel 2:14-17</a></span><br />Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. / So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for David. / Then each man grabbed his opponent by the head and thrust his sword into his opponent’s side, and they all fell together. So this place, which is in Gibeon, is called Helkath-hazzurim. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.</p><p class="hdg">beginning</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Proverbs 17:19</a></b></br> He loveth transgression that loveth strife: <i>and</i> he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Proverbs 26:21</a></b></br> <i>As</i> coals <i>are</i> to burning coals, and wood to fire; so <i>is</i> a contentious man to kindle strife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/29-22.htm">Proverbs 29:22</a></b></br> An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.</p><p class="hdg">leave</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/13-10.htm">Proverbs 13:10</a></b></br> Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised <i>is</i> wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-29.htm">Proverbs 14:29</a></b></br> <i>He that is</i> slow to wrath <i>is</i> of great understanding: but <i>he that is</i> hasty of spirit exalteth folly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></b></br> A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/4-2.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-10.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Breaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-10.htm">Break</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Breaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Contention</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-7.htm">Dam</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-3.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/proverbs/16-28.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-9.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-18.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/genesis/13-8.htm">Quarreling</a> <a href="/exodus/2-13.htm">Quarrelling</a> <a href="/1_samuel/4-9.htm">Quit</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Start</a> <a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Starting</a> <a href="/psalms/107-42.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/job/6-3.htm">Vehement</a> <a href="/proverbs/9-17.htm">Water</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-25.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/psalms/104-22.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/19-7.htm">Abandon</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-21.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-26.htm">Blows</a> <a href="/psalms/144-14.htm">Breaching</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Break</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Breaks</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-6.htm">Contention</a> <a href="/exodus/22-30.htm">Dam</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-10.htm">Dispute</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-18.htm">Drop</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Fighting</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-26.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Quarrel</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Quarreling</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm">Quarrelling</a> <a href="/lamentations/5-14.htm">Quit</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/7-8.htm">Start</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-19.htm">Starting</a> <a href="/proverbs/19-27.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-19.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Vehement</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-5.htm">Water</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-4.htm">Waters</a> <a href="/proverbs/24-11.htm">Withdraw</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 17</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/17-1.htm">Contrasts between the Righteous and the Wicked</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/17.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/17.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>To start a quarrel is to release a flood;</b><br>This phrase uses the imagery of a flood to describe the consequences of initiating a quarrel. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, floods were often sudden and destructive, symbolizing chaos and uncontrollable forces. The Bible frequently uses water imagery to convey overwhelming situations (e.g., <a href="/psalms/69.htm">Psalm 69:1-2</a>). The comparison suggests that once a quarrel begins, it can quickly escalate beyond control, much like a flood that breaks through barriers. This aligns with the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where actions have consequences (<a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-8</a>).<p><b>so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.</b><br>The advice to abandon a dispute before it escalates reflects the biblical value of peace and reconciliation. Proverbs often emphasizes the importance of wisdom in maintaining harmony and avoiding unnecessary conflict (<a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a>). In the cultural context of ancient Israel, community and familial relationships were vital, and disputes could disrupt social harmony. This counsel is consistent with New Testament teachings on peacemaking, as seen in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He blesses the peacemakers (<a href="/matthew/5-9.htm">Matthew 5:9</a>). The proactive approach to avoiding conflict also mirrors the teachings of Paul, who advises believers to live at peace with everyone as much as possible (<a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often provide practical guidance for living a life that honors God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_israel.htm">Ancient Israel</a></b><br>The cultural and historical context of Proverbs is ancient Israel, where wisdom literature was a key component of teaching and moral instruction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/q/quarrel.htm">Quarrel</a></b><br>The event or action described in this verse is the initiation of a quarrel, which is likened to releasing a flood, indicating the potential for widespread damage and chaos.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a></b><br>Words can either build up or tear down. Initiating a quarrel is like opening the floodgates, leading to potential destruction. We must choose our words carefully.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_wisdom_of_restraint.htm">The Wisdom of Restraint</a></b><br>Exercising self-control and restraint can prevent unnecessary conflict. It is wise to abandon disputes before they escalate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_conflict.htm">The Consequences of Conflict</a></b><br>Just as a flood can cause widespread damage, so can unresolved disputes. Understanding the potential consequences can motivate us to seek peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_peacemaking.htm">The Call to Peacemaking</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers. This involves actively seeking to resolve conflicts and promote harmony.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility.htm">The Role of Humility</a></b><br>Humility allows us to step back from a quarrel, recognizing that winning an argument is less important than maintaining relationships and peace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_17.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 17</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_avoid_strife,_promote_peace.htm">How can we avoid strife and promote peace?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_nosiness.htm">What does the Bible say about being nosy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_clubbing_suitable_for_christians.htm">Is nightclub attendance appropriate for Christians?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_proverbs_19_14_limit_free_will.htm">Proverbs 19:14 credits God alone for providing a prudent spouse--does this diminish human choice or contradict free will elsewhere in Scripture?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/proverbs/17.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water.</span>--The drops which ooze through a tiny hole in the bank of a reservoir soon swell into an unmanageable torrent; so from insignificant beginnings arise feuds which cannot be appeased. Solomon constructed large pools (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-6.htm" title="I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that brings forth trees:">Ecclesiastes 2:6</a>) beyond Bethlehem, and is supposed to have brought the water from these by an aqueduct into Jerusalem.<p><span class= "bld">Before it be meddled with.--</span>The same expression is used at <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm" title="Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeks and intermeddles with all wisdom.">Proverbs 18:1</a>; <a href="/proverbs/20-3.htm" title="It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.">Proverbs 20:3</a>. It probably means <span class= "ital">before </span>(<span class= "ital">men</span>)<span class= "ital"> show their teeth, </span>a metaphor from an angry dog.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/17.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water.</span> The small rift in the bank of a reservoir of water, if not immediately secured, is soon enlarged and gets beyond control, occasioning widespread ruin and destruction; so from small and insignificant causes, which might at first have been easily checked, arise feuds and quarrels which extend in a wide circle, and cannot be appeased. Palestine was largely dependent upon its reservoirs for the storage of water, perennial springs being of rare occurrence. The three pools of Solomon in the neighbourhood of Bethlehem, which were connected by channels with Jerusalem, are still to be seen in all their massive grandeur; and, indeed, every town had its reservoir, or tank, as we find in India at the present time. These receptacles had to be kept in good repair, or disastrous consequences might ensue. On the tendency of a quarrel to grow to a dangerous extent, a Bengal proverb speaks of "going in a needle and coming out a ploughshare." Vulgate, <span class="accented">Qui dimittit aquam, caput est jurgiorum</span>, which seems to mean that the man who needlessly lets the water of a cistern run to waste gives occasion to quarrels. But St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:13), commenting on the passage, interprets differently: "It is well said by Solomon, 'He that letteth out water is a head of strife.' For the water is let out when the flowing of the tongue is let loose. And he that letteth out water is made the beginning of strife, in that, by the incontinency of the lips, the commencement of discord is afforded" (Oxford transl.). Probably, however, in the Latin, as in the Hebrew, the particle of comparison is suppressed, so that the clause means, "As he who lets out water, so is he who gives occasion to strife." <span class="cmt_word">Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with</span>. The last word <span class="hebrew">חַתְלַֺגּלַּע</span> is of doubtful interpretation. It occurs in <a href="/proverbs/18-1.htm">Proverbs 18:1</a> and Proverbs 20:3, and is variously translated, "before it rushes forward," "before it grows warm," "before a man becomes wrathful." But Hitzig, Nowaek, and others take it to signify, "before men show their teeth," like angry dogs snarling at one another. The moralist advises men to subdue angry passions at once before they become exacerbated. The Vulgate seems to have quite mistaken the clause, translating, <span class="accented">Antequam patiatur contumeliam, judicium deserit</span>, which seems to mean that a patient, peace-loving man (in contrast with the irascible) avoids lawsuits before he is involved in a lasting quarrel. Septuagint, "The beginning (<span class="greek">ἀρχὴ</span>) of justice gives power to words; but discord and contention lead the way to want." The Greek commentators see here an allusion to the clepsydra, the water clock which regulated the length of the speeches in a court of law; but the reference is by no means clear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/17-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">To start</span><br /><span class="heb">רֵאשִׁ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(rê·šîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7225.htm">Strong's 7225: </a> </span><span class="str2">The first, in place, time, order, rank</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a quarrel</span><br /><span class="heb">מָד֑וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ḏō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4066.htm">Strong's 4066: </a> </span><span class="str2">A contest, quarrel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is to release</span><br /><span class="heb">פּ֣וֹטֵֽר</span> <span class="translit">(pō·w·ṭêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6362.htm">Strong's 6362: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cleave, burst through, to emit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a flood;</span><br /><span class="heb">מַ֭יִם</span> <span class="translit">(ma·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4325.htm">Strong's 4325: </a> </span><span class="str2">Water, juice, urine, semen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">so abandon</span><br /><span class="heb">נְטֽוֹשׁ׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ṭō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5203.htm">Strong's 5203: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the dispute</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרִ֥יב</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rîḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7379.htm">Strong's 7379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Strife, dispute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלִפְנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it breaks out.</span><br /><span class="heb">הִ֝תְגַּלַּ֗ע</span> <span class="translit">(hiṯ·gal·la‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1566.htm">Strong's 1566: </a> </span><span class="str2">To expose, lay bare</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/17-14.htm">Proverbs 17:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/17-14.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/17-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 17:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/17-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 17:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 17:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>