The beginning of strife [is as] when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Ver. 14. The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water.] It is easier to stir strife than stint it. Lis litem generat; as water, it is of a spreading nature. Do therefore here as the Dutchmen do by their banks; they keep them with little cost and trouble, because they look narrowly to them, and make them up in time. If there be but the least breach, they stop it presently, otherwise the sea would soon flood them.
“Fertur in arva furens cumulo, camposque per omnes
Cum stabulis armenta trahit.” - Virgil, Aeneid.
The same may fitly be set forth also by a similitude from fire; which if quenched presently, little hurt is done; as if not, "Behold how great a wood a little fire kindleth," saith Saint James. Pro 3:5 If "fire break out but of a bramble, it will devour the cedars of Lebanon." Jdg 9:15 Cover therefore the fire of contention, as William the Conqueror commanded the curfew bell.
Therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with.] Antequam commisceatur. Stop or step back, before it come to further trouble. Satius est recurrere quam male currere, better retire than run on, in those ignoble quarrels especially, ubi et vincere inglorium est et atteri sordidum, wherein, whether he win or lose, he is sure to lose in his credit and comfort. We read of Francis I, king of France, that, consulting with his captains how to lead his army over the Alps into Italy, whether this way or that way, Amaril, his fool, sprang out of a corner, where he sat unseen, and bade them rather take care which way they should bring their army out of Italy again. It is easy for one to interest himself in quarrels, but hard to be disengaged from them when he is once in. Therefore principiis obsta, withstand the beginnings of these evils, and "study to be quiet." 1Th 4:11 Milk quencheth wild fire. Oil, saith Luther, quencheth lime; so doth meekness strife.