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Proverbs 26:20-21 KJV
Proverbs · chapter 26 · verses 20–21
20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. 21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.Proverbs 26:20-21 · King James Version
Proverbs 26:20-21 in context
18As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,
19So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?
20Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
21As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
22The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a potsherd covered with silver dross.
Commentary
Key words (Strong's)
- contentiousmidyân{a contest or quarrel}H4079 →
- talebearernirgâna slandererH5372 →
- strifemâdôwna contest or quarrelH4066 →
- kindlechârarto glowH2787 →
- coalspechâma coal, whether charred or liveH6352 →
- coalsgechelan emberH1513 →
- woodʻêtsa treeH6086 →
- fireʼêshfireH784 →
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Contention is as a fire; it heats the spirit, burns up all that is good, and puts families and societies into a flame. Now here we are told how that fire is commonly kindled and kept burning, that we may avoid the occasions of strife and so prevent the mischievous consequences of it.
— Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on verses 20-22