Proverbs 26:20
Without wood, the fire goes out; and without gossips, arguments stop.
Free Bible Version
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
19if you lie to your friend and then say, “I was only joking!”
21An argumentative person fires up quarrels like putting charcoal on hot embers or wood on a fire.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28Quarrelsome people cause conflict, and a gossip comes between the closest friends.
Proverbs 26:22Listening to gossip is like gulping down bites of your favorite food—they go deep down inside you.
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 →