Proverbs
King James Version (KJV)
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
King James Version (KJV)
Proverbs 17:14 Context
11An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 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? 17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
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Other Translations
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therfore leaue off contention, before it be medled with.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan
The beginning of strife is {like} letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
- American Standard Version (1901)
The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.
- Basic English Bible
The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
- Darby Bible
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.
- Webster's Bible
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
- World English Bible
The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
- Youngs Literal Bible
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan
The beginning of strife is {like} letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.
- New American Standard Version (1995)
The beginning of strife is `as' when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.
- American Standard Version (1901)
The start of fighting is like the letting out of water: so give up before it comes to blows.
- Basic English Bible
The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.
- Darby Bible
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore withdraw from contention, before it be meddled with.
- Webster's Bible
The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
- World English Bible
The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.
- Youngs Literal Bible
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.
- Jewish Publication Society Bible
Bible commentary
Wesley's Notes for Proverbs 17:14
17:14 Letteth out - By cutting the bank of a river. Leave off - Avoid the occasions, and prevent the beginning of contention.