Proverbs 26:20
Where no wood is, the fire goeth out; and where there is no talebearer, the contention ceaseth.
Darby Translation
In The King James Version
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
In Context
19so is a man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am I not in sport?
21[As] coals for hot coals, and wood for fire, so is a contentious man to inflame strife.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.
Proverbs 26:22The words of a talebearer are as dainty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Matthew Henry on Proverbs 26:19-20
18 As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport? See here, 1. How mischievous those are that make no scruple of deceiving their neighbours; they are as madmen that cast firebrands, arrows, and death, so much hurt may they do by their deceits. They value themselves upon it as polite cunning men, but really they are as madmen. There is not a greater madness in the world than a wilful sin. It is not only the passionate furious man,… Read the whole commentary →