Don't Rock The Boat

This is probably heard by most of us at least once in our lives.  But really what does it mean?  Do we really think we'll tip over?  Or is it we have to be careful that we might piss someone off?  I believe it is the later.  Some have more control over our lives than we like to admit.  Our lives can be made miserable.  But what if you  didn't rock the boat.  Our lives can be made just as miserable.  Talk about a lose, lose situation.  I think I would rather rock the boat and deal with the consequences than keeping it steady and be miserable.