Time to Meddle

(Proverbs 17:14 KJV)  The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

The point is to head off trouble before it “breaks out” (NASB) (1566).  The KJV has a charming phrase “be meddled with”.  The first part of this verse seems to assume that problems will arise.  I am not sure there is any surefire way to avoid it at times.  We can minimize and pour oil on the waters but some people are loaded for bear and will not be denied.

Which brings us to the reminder to pay attention and contain the damage.  Think of it as damage control.  I think the point here is timing.  If we see a problem emerging it will not make it go away just to ignore it.  Sometimes proactive attention can keep it from becoming a big issue.  Sometimes it only gives us room to wiggle.  The sooner the better.

So?  God is telling us to address evil or just error as quickly as possible.  Of course there are other places that give advice on how to do that but here it is saying not to wait.