Proverbs 17:14

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

Proverbs 17:14 in Other Translations

KJV
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
ESV
14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.
NLT
14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.
MSG
14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.
CSB
14 To start a conflict is to release a flood; stop the dispute before it breaks out.

Proverbs 17:14 In-Context

12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.
13 Evil will never leave the house of one who pays back evil for good.
14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.
15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— the LORD detests them both.
16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom, when they are not able to understand it?

Cross References 1

  • 1. Matthew 5:25-26; Proverbs 20:3
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