Proverbs 17:14The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.
The setting
Ancient Israel, ~950 BC. Solomon observing how small disputes in his court escalate into tribal wars that destroy families and communities.
The emotion here: urgent warning from hard experience
The original word
riyb (רִיב) — formal legal dispute that becomes personal vendetta
Why it matters
Ancient dams were made of stones and earth - one small breach could destroy an entire valley's crops
Read with care
What most readers miss in Proverbs 17:14
This isn't about avoiding conflict - it's about stopping BEFORE it becomes a flood
Common misconceptionPeople think this means avoid all conflict, but it's specifically about stopping the escalation BEFORE the breach becomes a flood. Some conflicts are necessary.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Proverbs 17:14
Bible Genome reading
Proverbs 17:14 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Proverbs 17:14 comes from the book of Proverbs, written during the United Kingdom period. These words are attributed to Solomon. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 40% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the wisdom genre of biblical literature. Key themes include conflict, prevention. Notable phrases: beginning of strife; breaching a dam; stop contention. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Proverbs 17:14 mean to you, today?
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