Proverbs 17:14
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.In other versions
The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
ASV
The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.
BBE
The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
DBY
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, Therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
WEB
The beginning of contention `is' a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
YLT
The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
ENG
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.
WBT
To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.
BSB
In context
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?