Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Original Language Analysis
פּ֣וֹטֵֽר
is as when one letteth out
H6362
פּ֣וֹטֵֽר
is as when one letteth out
Strong's:
H6362
Word #:
1 of 8
to cleave or burst through, i.e., (causatively) to emit, whether literal or figurative (gape)
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
The beginning
H7225
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
The beginning
Strong's:
H7225
Word #:
3 of 8
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֥י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Cross References
Proverbs 25:8Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.Proverbs 20:3It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.1 Thessalonians 4:11And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;Proverbs 15:1A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Historical Context
Ancient irrigation systems used dams and channels. Once breached, water flooded uncontrollably, destroying crops and property. Similarly, unchecked strife escalated into feuds, violence, community division. Biblical examples include Abraham peacefully separating from Lot to prevent strife (Genesis 13:8-9), versus Absalom's revolt that flooded Israel with civil war (2 Samuel 15-18). Wise people prevented strife's beginning; fools let it flood.
Questions for Reflection
- What conflicts are you allowing to begin that will flood uncontrollably if not stopped now?
- How can you practice the wisdom of abandoning contention before it breaks out?
- What does pursuing peace (Romans 14:19) look like practically in your current relationships?
Analysis & Commentary
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. Poter mayim reshit madon (פּוֹטֵר מַיִם רֵאשִׁית מָדוֹן, releasing water is the beginning of strife). Like breaching a dam, once strife starts it's unstoppable. Velifney hitgalle hariv netosh (וְלִפְנֵי הִתְגַּלַּע הָרִיב נְטוֹשׁ, so before the quarrel breaks out, leave off). Abandon contentions before they escalate uncontrollably. The proverb urges conflict prevention—once unleashed, strife floods destructively. Jesus blessed peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). Paul commanded pursuing peace (Romans 14:19, Hebrews 12:14).