Proverbs 17:14

In 11 translations

BSB

To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

KJV

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

WEB

The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

ASV

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

LSV

The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, || And leave the strife before it is meddled with.

YLT

The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.

DBY

The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.

DRC

The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: before he suffereth reproach he forsaketh judgment.

GNV

The beginning of strife is as one that openeth the waters: therefore or the contention be medled with, leaue off.

JPS

The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.

LXXE

Rightful rule gives power to words; but sedition and strife precede poverty.

Word by word Hebrew · tap a word

Words in brackets are English the glossers added; the Hebrew has no word for them, and they can carry a choice of tense or meaning.

Original-language editions

WLC

פּ֣וֹטֵֽר מַ֭יִם רֵאשִׁ֣ית מָד֑וֹן וְלִפְנֵ֥י הִ֝תְגַּלַּ֗ע הָרִ֥יב נְטֽוֹשׁ׃

LXX-Br

Ἐξουσίαν δίδωσι λόγοις ἀρχὴ δικαιοσύνης, προηγεῖται δὲ τῆς ἐνδείας στάσις καὶ μάχη.

In the reference works topics that cite this verse

From public-domain Bible dictionaries and topical indexes (1884–1915).

Cross-references most cited first

• Proverbs 20:3It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel.
• Proverbs 25:8do not bring hastily to court. Otherwise, what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
• 2 Timothy 2:23–24But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
• Ecclesiastes 7:8–9The end of a matter is better than the beginning, and a patient spirit is better than a proud one. Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.
• Proverbs 15:1A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
• Proverbs 16:32He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city.
• Proverbs 19:11A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.
• Romans 12:18If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.
• 2 Samuel 2:14–17Then Abner said to Joab, “Let us have the young men get up and compete before us.” “Let them get up,” Joab replied. So they got up and were counted off—twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth son of Saul, and twelve for…
• Proverbs 13:10Arrogance leads only to strife, but wisdom is with the well-advised.
• 2 Samuel 19:41–20:22Soon all the men of Israel came to the king and asked, “Why did our brothers, the men of Judah, take you away secretly and bring the king and his household across the Jordan, together with all of David’s men?” And all…
• Proverbs 14:29A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly.
• Genesis 13:8–9So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you…
• Judges 8:1–3Then the men of Ephraim said to Gideon, “Why have you done this to us? Why did you fail to call us when you went to fight against Midian?” And they contended with him violently. But Gideon answered them, “Now what have…
• Judges 12:1–6Then the men of Ephraim assembled and crossed the Jordan to Zaphon. They said to Jephthah, “Why have you crossed over to fight the Ammonites without calling us to go with you? We will burn your house down with you…

From the OpenBible.info cross-reference set (votes from readers; not every link is a quotation or allusion).