The beginning of strife, &c. “Those who begin a quarrel are like those who make a breach in a bank, and give an opening to the waters of a rapid river; which they can never be sure to stop before it produces the most fatal and calamitous events. This painting admirably represents the effects of lying and false reports, and supplies us with an excellent lesson to avoid the contagion, and prevent the beginnings of contentions:” see Calmet.
Related Commentaries of Proverbs 17:14
Proverbs 17:14
14 The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.