Proverbs 17:14

"The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; Therefore leave off contention before there is quarreling."

Toy noted that the, "Language here is somewhat indefinite";[23] whatever the precise meaning, the passage is a warning against strife. "The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention before it be meddled with."[24] "If you start an argument, it is like breaking a hole in a dam; so stop the argument before it becomes bigger and bigger."[25]