King James Version
What Does Proverbs 17:14 Mean?
“The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”
Context
12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13
Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
14
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
15
He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(14) **The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water.**—The drops which ooze through a tiny hole in the bank of a reservoir soon swell into an unmanageable torrent; so from insignificant beginnings arise feuds which cannot be appeased. Solomon constructed large pools (Ecclesiastes 2:6) beyond Bethlehem, and is supposed to have brought the water from these by an aqueduct into Jerusalem.
**Before it be meddled with.—**The same expression is used at Proverbs 18:1; Proverbs 20:3. It probably means *before *(*men*)* show their teeth, *a metaphor from an angry dog.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Proverbs. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Proverbs 17:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Proverbs 17:14
Proverbs 20:3
→Proverbs 25:8
→2 Timothy 2:23-24
→Ecclesiastes 7:8-9
→1 Thessalonians 4:11
→Proverbs 16:32
→Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge