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14 
The beginning of strife is like letting out water [as from a small break in a dam; first it trickles and then it gushes];
Therefore [a]abandon the quarrel before it breaks out and tempers explode.
15 
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous
Are both repulsive to the Lord.(A)
16 
Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom,
When he has no common sense or even a heart for it?

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 17:14 The ancient rabbis derived from this statement the principle of seeking a settlement before a case comes to court (cf Matt 5:25; Luke 12:58).

14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
    so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.(A)

15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent(B)
    the Lord detests them both.(C)

16 Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,
    when they are not able to understand it?(D)

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