Our Scripture reading today is Proverbs 17:14, "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with."
There is very little that can be done with water when it is released. It could be the opening of a dam or when much water is released from the sky. We know exactly how uncontrollable running water is from the flooding last fall. It is powerful and out of control. “The verse likens the beginning of a bitter conflict involving the pent up arrogance and anger of a fool to a person who digs a hole in a dam or opens a sluice. The seepage starts from a small aperture, but under built up pressure it quickly bursts open and the small leak turns into a raging, uncontrolled cataclysm that gets out of hand and does irreparable damage.” (Waltke)
Solomon makes the comparison between running water and strife. When an argument begins, there is no way of knowing where it will end up. Most times arguments lead to hurt feelings and regret. It is very difficult to re-wind our words of hurt. The key is don't start into the strife or contention. Wisdom from God is greatly needed in order to fulfill this task. Wisdom sees ahead to what might happen if strife and contention are released within the home or any other relationships. May God help us all to live humble lives that seek to avoid contention and strife.