Proverbs 17:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

NIV: Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

NASB: The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

CSB: To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out.

NLT: Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.

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

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

Translation between languages often involves rendering figures of speech. In this case, the Hebrew phrasing is unclear. Various translations share a theme: that instigating a conflict is somehow like releasing of water, possibly in the context of a flood. The root words used imply ideas like bursting or breaking free. For this reason, many interpreters suggest the image of breaching a dam, letting the flood roar out. Such commentators note that earthen dams and levees are prone to failure when allowed to leak. The small hole allows for erosion that leads to total collapse.

In that sense, the early moments of a disagreement are the ideal time to make peace. Letting an argument fester can lead to greater problems. Once the breach happens, the situation is out of control and destruction is inevitable. Jesus understood how quickly a quarrel can escalate. He counseled: "Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison" (Matthew 5:25).

Solomon knew perfectly well how a stream starts and flows downstream. He constructed large pools near Bethlehem that flowed to Jerusalem by an aqueduct. He writes in Ecclesiastes 2:6: "I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees." Nehemiah 2:14 alludes to the King's Pool, and tour guides still point out reservoirs south of Bethlehem. Speaking of avoiding feuds, Paul noted it is wise to cool one's anger before sunset (Ephesians 4:26).

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.