פּ֣וֹטֵֽר מַ֭יִם רֵאשִׁ֣ית מָד֑וֹן וְלִפְנֵ֥י הִ֝תְגַּלַּ֗ע הָרִ֥יב נְטֽוֹשׁ׃
The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water; Therefore leave off contention, before the quarrel break out.
Read Jewish philosophical commentary on Proverbs 17:14: and classical philosophical sources.