Proverbs 26:20
Fire is going out without wood, || And contention ceases without a tale-bearer,
Literal Standard 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
19So has a man deceived his neighbor, || And has said, “Am I not playing?”
21Coal to burning coals, and wood to fire, || And a man of contentions to kindle strife.
Cross References
Proverbs 16:28A contrary man sends forth contention, || A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.
Proverbs 26:22The words of a tale-bearer [are] as self-inflicted wounds, || And they have gone down [to] the inner parts of the heart.
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 →