Proverbs 25:8
Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame. Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.
Go not forth hastily to strive is a warning against rushing into a dispute, for acting hastily can leave a person shamed and not knowing what to do in the end when the neighbor proves the charge mistaken or shows the facts were not understood. It calls for calm judgment that does not exaggerate the wrong. It directs settling the matter directly and privately with the neighbor himself rather than revealing it to others or disclosing it abroad. The counsel of the following verse is to be applied together with this verse in taking the matter privately to the person involved.
Applied to a personal offense, this means speaking privately and calmly to the one at fault, without resentment, revenge, or spreading the report. Dealing with the wrong in this private way avoids needless exposure and further conflict. This course can lead to reconciliation, restored friendship, and confidence.