Proverbs 17:14
The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.
Bible in Basic English
In The King James Version
In Context
13If anyone gives back evil for good, evil will never go away from his house.
Cross References
Genesis 13:8Then Abram said to Lot, Let there be no argument between me and you, and between my herdmen and your herdmen, for we are brothers.
Judges 12:1Now the men of Ephraim came together and took up arms and went over to Zaphon; and they said to Jephthah, Why did you go over to make war against the children of Ammon without sending for us to go with you? Now we will put your house on fire over you.
2 Samuel 2:17And there was hard fighting that day; and Abner and the men of Israel gave way before the servants of David.
2 Chronicles 10:14But gave them the answer put forward by the young men, saying, My father made your yoke hard, but I will make it harder; my father gave you punishment with whips, but I will give it with snakes.
2 Chronicles 25:17Then Amaziah, king of Judah, acting on the suggestion of his servants, sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us have a meeting face to face.
Proverbs 13:10The only effect of pride is fighting; but wisdom is with the quiet in spirit.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 17:14
13 Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. A malicious mischievous man is here represented, 1. As ungrateful to his friends. He oftentimes is so absurd and insensible of kindnesses done him that he renders evil for good. David met with those that were his adversaries for his love, Ps. cix. 4 . To render evil for evil is brutish, but to render evil for good is devilish. He is an ill-natured man who, because he is resolved not to return a kindness, will revenge it. 2. As therein unkind… Read the whole commentary →