Proverbs 17:14

Starting a quarrel is like allowing water to start to leak out of a dam; they both need to be stopped before they get worse.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

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

In Context

13If someone does something evil in return for something good being done to him, evil/trouble will never leave that person’s family.

15There are two things that Yahweh hates: ◄Condemning innocent people/Saying that people who have done nothing wrong must be punished►, and declaring that people who have done wicked things should not be punished.

Read all of Proverbs 17

Cross References

Genesis 13:8So Abram said to Lot, “Since we are close relatives, it is not good for us two to quarrel, or for the men who take care of your animals to quarrel with the men who take care of my animals.

Judges 12:1The men of the tribe of Ephraim summoned their soldiers, and they crossed the Jordan River to the town of Zaphon to talk with Jephthah. They said to him, “◄Why did you not ask us for help?/You should have requested us► to help your army fight the Ammon people-group. So we will burn down your house while you are in it.”

2 Samuel 2:17Then the others started to fight. It was a very fierce battle. Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by David’s soldiers.

2 Chronicles 10:14He told them what the younger men had advised. He said, “My father put heavy burdens of work and taxes on you, but I will put heavier burdens on you. It was as though he beat you with whips, but I will beat you with whips that have pieces of metal in them!”

2 Chronicles 25:17Some time later Amaziah, the king of Judah, consulted his advisors. Then he sent a message to Jehoash, the king of Israel. He wrote, “Come here and let’s talk together.”

Proverbs 13:10People who are arrogant/proud always cause strife; those who are wise ask other people for good advice.

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 →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Proverbs 17:14