¹⁴ The beginning of strife is like releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

¹⁴ The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.

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 breaching a dam,
therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.