14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.
14 The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Proverbs 17:14
Commentary on Proverbs 17:14
(Read Proverbs 17:14)
What danger there is in the beginning of strife! Resist its earliest display; and leave it off, if it were possible, before you begin.