Proverbs 17:14 (Amplified) “The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out.”
Strife has a beginning. It’s like water that first trickles from a crack in a dam. It always starts with a tiny drip. Then as pressure builds, the crack gets bigger and bigger until the dam finally bursts. The destruction is sometimes irreparable. If only someone would have repaired the tiny crack in the beginning.
The same thing happens with strife. That’s why it’s critical to stop strife at the very beginning “before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out”. When you feel negative thoughts trying to hijack your emotions, stop, don’t make another move. It’s the hardest and easiest thing to do sometimes. If you don’t, before you know it, the trickle turns to a flood and everyone involved is treading water in anger and bitterness and saying things that they will soon regret. Don’t let that happen. Follow the wisdom of Proverbs 17:14, stop strife when it’s a small trickle. You’ll be glad you did.
