Starting a quarrel
The Hebrew word for "starting" here is "pāṯaḥ," which means to open or begin. In the context of a quarrel, it suggests the initial act that leads to conflict. The imagery of opening a dam is significant, as it implies that once a quarrel begins, it can quickly escalate beyond control. Historically, the wisdom literature of the Bible often emphasizes the importance of restraint and the dangers of letting anger take root. In a conservative Christian perspective, this phrase serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the value of peace, echoing the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about being peacemakers.

is like breaching a dam
The phrase "breaching a dam" uses vivid imagery to convey the potential consequences of starting a quarrel. In ancient times, a dam was a critical structure for controlling water, essential for agriculture and survival. Breaching it would lead to destruction and chaos, symbolizing how a small argument can lead to significant damage in relationships and communities. The Hebrew word "pāraṣ" means to break through or burst forth, highlighting the sudden and uncontrollable nature of conflict once it begins. This serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to consider the far-reaching effects of their words and actions.

so drop the matter
The instruction to "drop the matter" is a call to wisdom and prudence. The Hebrew word "nāṭaš" means to leave or abandon, suggesting a deliberate choice to let go of potential conflict. In the biblical context, this aligns with the teachings of Proverbs that advocate for wisdom, understanding, and the avoidance of unnecessary strife. From a conservative Christian viewpoint, this phrase encourages believers to prioritize harmony and to seek resolution rather than contention, reflecting the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor.

before a dispute breaks out
The phrase "before a dispute breaks out" underscores the urgency of addressing potential conflicts early. The Hebrew word "gālāh" means to uncover or reveal, indicating that disputes can expose underlying tensions and lead to open conflict. Historically, disputes in ancient Israel could lead to long-standing feuds and divisions within families and tribes. This part of the verse serves as a warning to act swiftly and wisely to prevent discord. In a conservative Christian context, it emphasizes the importance of proactive peacemaking and the pursuit of reconciliation, in line with the teachings of Christ to seek peace and unity within the body of believers.

(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.

Verse 14. - The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water. The small rift in the bank of a reservoir of water, if not immediately secured, is soon enlarged and gets beyond control, occasioning widespread ruin and destruction; so from small and insignificant causes, which might at first have been easily checked, arise feuds and quarrels which extend in a wide circle, and cannot be appeased. Palestine was largely dependent upon its reservoirs for the storage of water, perennial springs being of rare occurrence. The three pools of Solomon in the neighbourhood of Bethlehem, which were connected by channels with Jerusalem, are still to be seen in all their massive grandeur; and, indeed, every town had its reservoir, or tank, as we find in India at the present time. These receptacles had to be kept in good repair, or disastrous consequences might ensue. On the tendency of a quarrel to grow to a dangerous extent, a Bengal proverb speaks of "going in a needle and coming out a ploughshare." Vulgate, Qui dimittit aquam, caput est jurgiorum, which seems to mean that the man who needlessly lets the water of a cistern run to waste gives occasion to quarrels. But St. Gregory ('Moral.,' 5:13), commenting on the passage, interprets differently: "It is well said by Solomon, 'He that letteth out water is a head of strife.' For the water is let out when the flowing of the tongue is let loose. And he that letteth out water is made the beginning of strife, in that, by the incontinency of the lips, the commencement of discord is afforded" (Oxford transl.). Probably, however, in the Latin, as in the Hebrew, the particle of comparison is suppressed, so that the clause means, "As he who lets out water, so is he who gives occasion to strife." Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with. The last word חַתְלַֺגּלַּע is of doubtful interpretation. It occurs in Proverbs 18:1 and Proverbs 20:3, and is variously translated, "before it rushes forward," "before it grows warm," "before a man becomes wrathful." But Hitzig, Nowaek, and others take it to signify, "before men show their teeth," like angry dogs snarling at one another. The moralist advises men to subdue angry passions at once before they become exacerbated. The Vulgate seems to have quite mistaken the clause, translating, Antequam patiatur contumeliam, judicium deserit, which seems to mean that a patient, peace-loving man (in contrast with the irascible) avoids lawsuits before he is involved in a lasting quarrel. Septuagint, "The beginning (ἀρχὴ) of justice gives power to words; but discord and contention lead the way to want." The Greek commentators see here an allusion to the clepsydra, the water clock which regulated the length of the speeches in a court of law; but the reference is by no means clear.

Parallel Commentaries ...


To start
רֵאשִׁ֣ית (rê·šîṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7225: The first, in place, time, order, rank

a quarrel
מָד֑וֹן (mā·ḏō·wn)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4066: A contest, quarrel

is to release
פּ֣וֹטֵֽר (pō·w·ṭêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6362: To cleave, burst through, to emit

a flood;
מַ֭יִם (ma·yim)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

so abandon
נְטֽוֹשׁ׃ (nə·ṭō·wōš)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 5203: To pound, smite, to disperse, to thrust off, down, out, upon

the dispute
הָרִ֥יב (hā·rîḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7379: Strife, dispute

before
וְלִפְנֵ֥י (wə·lip̄·nê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

it breaks out.
הִ֝תְגַּלַּ֗ע (hiṯ·gal·la‘)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1566: To expose, lay bare


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching (Prov. Pro Pr)