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 The beginning of strife is like releasing water;

Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.

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.