14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;

so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,

so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:

Therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

14 Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,

so stop before a dispute breaks out.

14 Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam,

so stop it before a fight breaks out.

14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water:

Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

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

14 Starting a quarrel is ⸤like⸥ opening a floodgate, 

so stop before the argument gets out of control. 

14 To start a conflict is to release a flood;

stop the dispute before it breaks out.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water;

so stop before the quarrel breaks out.

14 Like the release of water is the beginning of strife;

before it breaks out, stop the quarrel.

14 Starting to argue is like making a crack in a dam.

So drop the matter before a fight breaks out.

14 The beginning of strife is like letting out water,

So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.