Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.
JPS TaNaKH 1917
In The King James Version
In Context
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
Cross References
Genesis 13:8And Abram said unto Lot: 'Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we are brethren.
Judges 12:1And the men of Ephraim were gathered together, and passed to Zaphon; and they said unto Jephthah: 'Wherefore didst thou pass over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didst not call us to go with thee? we will burn thy house upon thee with fire.'
2 Samuel 2:17And the battle was very sore that day; and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, before the servants of David.
2 Chronicles 10:14and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying: 'My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.'
2 Chronicles 25:17Then Amaziah king of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying: 'Come, let us look one another in the face.'
Proverbs 13:10By pride cometh only contention; but with the well-advised is wisdom.
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 →