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

PROVERBS 17:14KJV
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Proverbs 17:14 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 17:14 mean?

Proverbs 17:14 warns that starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate: once conflict begins, it is hard to control and can quickly get out of hand. The proverb urges people to stop arguments before they escalate, comparing the start of strife to letting water escape, which is difficult to contain once it starts flowing.

In the book of Proverbs, a father is often pictured giving practical wisdom to his son or to anyone seeking to live wisely. Here, the advice is about human relationships—specifically, how easily small disagreements can become much bigger if not handled early. The verse uses a vivid image from everyday life in ancient times, where a small breach in a dam or wall could lead to disaster if not stopped immediately.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 17:14

  • The word for "strife" (מָדוֹן, madon, H4066) refers to a quarrel or dispute, highlighting that the proverb is about personal conflicts, not just physical fights.
  • The phrase "letteth out water" uses the word פָרַץ (parats, H6362), meaning to break out or burst forth, which gives the sense of something suddenly escaping control, like water breaking through a barrier.
  • "Leave off" (נָטַשׁ, natas, H5203) means to abandon or let go, emphasizing that the wise action is to stop or walk away from contention before it gets worse.
  • "Contention" (רִיב, riv, H7379) often means a legal dispute or argument, suggesting that the proverb is not just about shouting matches but any kind of ongoing conflict.

Why Proverbs 17:14 matters

  • Proverbs 17:14 clarifies that conflict is not always dramatic at first; even a small disagreement can become destructive if not checked early.
  • The verse highlights the importance of self-control and foresight in relationships, showing that wisdom often means knowing when to step back.
  • In the context of Proverbs, this advice fits with the broader theme of promoting peace and avoiding unnecessary trouble, reminding readers that prevention is often easier than fixing a problem after it grows.

Where else these words appear

“meddled” Hebrew H1566 · used in 3 verses

  • Proverbs 18:1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
  • Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

“out” Hebrew H6362 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 19:10 And Saul sought to smite David even to the wall with the javelin; but he slipped away out of Saul's presence, and he smote the javelin into the wall: and David fled, and escaped that night.
  • 1 Kings 6:29 And he carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubims and palm trees and open flowers, within and without.
  • 1 Kings 6:35 And he carved thereon cherubims and palm trees and open flowers: and covered them with gold fitted upon the carved work.

“strife” Hebrew H4066 · used in 18 verses

  • Psalms 80:6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
  • Proverbs 21:9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
  • Proverbs 26:21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

“off” Hebrew H5203 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
  • 1 Samuel 30:16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.
  • Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.