Parallel Verses
World English Bible
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
New American Standard Bible
So
King James Version
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Holman Bible
stop the dispute before it breaks out.
International Standard Version
Starting a quarrel is like spilling water so drop the dispute before it escalates.
A Conservative Version
The beginning of strife is [like] letting out water. Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
American Standard Version
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
Amplified
The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];
Therefore
Bible in Basic English
The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.
Darby Translation
The beginning of contention is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
Julia Smith Translation
The causing water to break forth. is the beginning of strife: cast off contention before being irritated.
King James 2000
The beginning of strife is like releasing water: therefore leave off contention, before a quarrel starts.
Lexham Expanded Bible
[Like] the release of water [is] the beginning of strife; before it breaks out, stop the quarrel.
Modern King James verseion
The beginning of strife is like letting out water; therefore leave off fighting, before it breaks out.
Modern Spelling Tyndale-Coverdale
He that soweth discord and strife, is like one that diggeth up a water brook; but an open enemy is like the water that breaketh out and runneth abroad.
NET Bible
Starting a quarrel is like letting out water; stop it before strife breaks out!
New Heart English Bible
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
The Emphasized Bible
A letting forth of water, is the beginning of strife, therefore, before it breaketh out, abandon, contention.
Webster
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.
Youngs Literal Translation
The beginning of contention is a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
Themes
Adjudication at law » To be avoided
Strife » Causes of » Forbidden
Strife » Strength and violence of--illustrated
Strife » The beginning of strife
Strife » Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it
Water » Illustrative » (difficulty of stopping,) of strife and contention
Topics
Interlinear
Mayim
Natash
Word Count of 20 Translations in Proverbs 17:14
Verse Info
Context Readings
Proverbs Of Solomon
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out. 15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.
Cross References
Proverbs 20:3
It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.
Proverbs 25:8
Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?
1 Thessalonians 4:11
and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we instructed you;
Genesis 13:8-9
Abram said to Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives.
Judges 8:1-3
The men of Ephraim said to him, "Why have you treated us this way, that you didn't call us, when you went to fight with Midian?" They rebuked him sharply.
Judges 12:1-6
The men of Ephraim were gathered together, and passed northward; and they said to Jephthah, "Why did you pass over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didn't call us to go with you? We will burn your house around you with fire!"
2 Samuel 2:14-17
Abner said to Joab, "Please let the young men arise and play before us!" Joab said, "Let them arise!"
2 Samuel 19:41-22
Behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said to the king, "Why have our brothers the men of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king, and his household, over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?"
2 Chronicles 10:14-16
and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."
2 Chronicles 13:17
Abijah and his people killed them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.
2 Chronicles 25:17-24
Then Amaziah king of Judah consulted his advisers, 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."
2 Chronicles 28:6
For Pekah the son of Remaliah killed in Judah one hundred twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant men; because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their fathers.
Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
Proverbs 14:29
He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 16:32
One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.
Proverbs 17:19
He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger. It is his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 26:21
As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindling strife.
Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Matthew 5:39-41
But I tell you, don't resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Acts 6:1-5
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
Acts 15:2-21
Therefore when Paul and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.
James 3:14-18
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth.