The Dam (Proverbs 17:14)

The Bible compares strife to water in that water can be extremely damaging.

"The beginning of strife is as when water first trickles [from a crack in a dam]; therefore stop contention before it becomes worse and quarreling breaks out." Proverbs 17:14, Amplified

Water seeks out its own level. It will seep through any crack it can find in order to find that balance. In doing so, it can destroy whatever is holding it back. It reminds me of the old story of the boy who stuck his finger in the dyke in order to stop the water from destroying his town. Everyone else saw the crack and ignored it. The young boy, however, saw the potential hazard of ignorance.

Water's natural tendency is to erode. Ask any scientist how the Grand Canyon was formed and they will tell you that the Colorado River carved its way through the earth over millions of years because he understands the nature of water. (I want it to be noted that I do not believe that the Grand Canyon was formed this way. I believe in a very young earth and believe that a great cataclysm such as The Flood most likely formed the canyon.)

Strife is exactly like water. A tiny bit can be potentially hazardous to a relationship. If a little is seeping through a crack, what larger body is lurking behind the dam? We are not talking about random acts of violence. There are signs for us to see. The idea is to act and not react. Take the time to place your finger into that hole to stop the flow. Correct the fault before it overtakes you.