New International Version
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

English Standard Version
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.

Berean Study Bible
To start a quarrel is to release a flood; so abandon the dispute before it breaks out.

King James Bible
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

New American Standard Bible
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.

American Standard Version
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: Therefore leave off contention, before there is quarrelling.

Darby Bible Translation
The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife before it become vehement.

Douay-Rheims Bible
The beginning of quarrels is as when one letteth out water: before he suffereth reproach he forsaketh judgment.

English Revised Version
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before there be quarrelling.

Young's Literal Translation
The beginning of contention is a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled with leave the strife.

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