“Moreover, since the indolent mind for the most part lapses by degrees into downfall, while we neglect to guard against idle words we go on to hurtful ones; so that at first it pleases us to talk of other men's affairs; afterwards the tongue gnaws with detraction the lives of those of whom we talk; but at last breaks o…”
Gregory the Dialogist, 7th c. — The Book of Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Chapter 14
Original
14The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.
Modern
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In context
12Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
13Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.
— Proverbs 17:14 —
15He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD.
16Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it?